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January 2013 News

Newspaper’s bid to boost trade in riot-hit city

Regional daily hopes to help businesses get back on their feet

Snowy front pages showcased by journalism blogger

Regional and local papers feature in gallery of the best front pages

Circulation figures in steady decline at Scottish papers

Circulation figures have continued to plummet at newspapers in Scotland, with tens of thousands fewer copies being sold every day, the latest figures reveal. According to the most recent multi-platform report by the Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC), all national

Horseracing writing awards open for entries

An annual awards scheme which aims to encourage writing about horseracing is open for entries. The Wills Writing Awards is now in its 21st year and started in 1993 in memory of Martin Wills, an amateur jockey and journalist at

Don’t generalise about “rubbish” press, editor tells Harry

Prince wrong to “blacken” entire industry says news chief

Jobs set to go as city print plant faces axe

Up to 46 posts at risk as a result of publisher’s proposals

Union members consider action over JP pay freeze

Conference call takes place between chapel reps from across UK

Regional daily unveils new website after comments row

Site has range of new features

Newspaper aims to recruit 12,000 organ donors

Regional daily’s bid comes ahead of transplant games

Journalist hits headlines as football boss answers phone

Comedy moment with reporter’s wife takes place at press conference

New eBook guides journalists in internet law

A journalism trainer and legal advisor has written an eBook on internet law for journalists. Cleland Thom has written the book, Internet Law, to highlight the legal and ethical risks associated with using Twitter, Facebook, blogs and websites. The book

Police biased towards BBC radio says regional editor

Snow advice for residents did not mention local newspapers

Former journalist and ‘inspiring’ teacher dies at 81

Tributes paid to columnist, author and college teacher

Dyson at Large: Lack of news in broadsheet weekly

Newspaper let down by weak splash says blogger

Weekly launches £25,000 fundraising drive for hospice

Special beer produced for charity appeal

Regional publisher’s chicken mag spreads its wings

Title to be launched in US with three-month trial

Press Officer Ministry of Justice Westminster, closes 19 Feb
News Reporters and Sub-Editors DMG Media London, closes 21 Feb
News Reporter MyLocalNews Hemel Hempstead, closes 10 Feb
Financial Data Journalist Moneyfacts Group Norwich/Remote, closes 7 Mar
Editor Moneyfacts Group Norwich/Remote, closes 4 Mar
Multi-media Journalist Veterinary Business Development Peterborough/Remote, closes 13 Feb

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Tips on choosing a journalism course

Emma Clark, former marketing and communications manager for the National Council for the Training of Journalists, offers her advice on choosing between journalism courses.
Recently I've attended numerous careers fairs around the country, meeting students of all ages keen to break into journalism - whether that be in newspapers, television, radio or magazines. And of course, all students want to know which journalism course they should go on and whether they need NCTJ qualifications.

A quick look at the trainee job ads on HTFP demonstrates the importance of gaining the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism. Many adverts require candidates to have, or be awaiting results for, their NCTJ Diploma.

Trying to break into the industry without it makes a tough task almost impossible. With the rise in tuition fees, choosing the right journalism course is even more important than ever and students need to be sure they are learning the vocational skills required by employers, enabling them to hit the ground running when they enter the newsroom.

Employers know that an NCTJ-trained applicant will be able to find and construct stories, understand media law and ethics and be able to take down an accurate shorthand note when required. And contrary to popular belief it is not just the regional press looking for these skills, but nationals, online and broadcast too. Recent Sky Sports News schemes, for example, have been looking for practical skills including a minimum of 100wpm shorthand.

Student journalists can complete their NCTJ training in a number of ways - FE colleges and independent centres offer the Diploma in Journalism as fast-track and academic year courses, while universities offer it as part of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications. All of these journalism courses lead to the same NCTJ qualifications and meet the same standard, allowing students to pick the one that's best for them.

It's no secret that the NCTJ has an exacting standard, and this applies not just to the qualifications but also to the course provider. All NCTJ-accredited courses have to work incredibly hard to meet the requirements in the same way that students have to work incredibly hard to achieve the gold standard. This ensures the NCTJ logo acts as a meaningful kitemark for quality journalism training.