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January 2013 News

Newspaper goes purple in tribute to cancer death teen

Masthead and front page changes colour

Midlands daily’s survey aims to create snapshot of region

Readers asked for views on issues that affect them

Union calls for talks with Johnston Press over pay freeze

NUJ wants programme of change to be slowed down

Regional daily bars non-Facebook users from commenting

Move set for roll-out across Trinity Mirror titles

Students to give views on training at annual meeting

An annual meeting which gives student journalists the chance to give their views on training will take place in London next month. The sixth annual Student Forum run by the National Council for the Training of Journalists takes place on

Former regional reporter dies from brain tumour at 47

Journalist went on to PR roles across Europe

Council reporter lets rip on retirement day

Veteran correspondent in call to bring back hanging

Weeklies apologise to NHS bosses over petition

Plus other recently resolved PCC cases involving local newspapers

Regional daily to hold weekly Q&A live blogs

Editor is first to be quizzed by readers

University launches centre to support hyperlocal sites

Project aims to create sustainable business model

Names sell papers for campaigning regional daily

More than 5,000 people back campaign against free parking axe

Johnston Press staff hit by pay freeze extension

Economy remains unpredictable, says publisher

Former North East journalist of 60 years dies aged 84

Reporter continued working as a freelance into his 70s

Watchdog rejects harassment claim against regional daily

Wife of police officer who admitted sex assaults complained over privacy

Guest-editor bishop chooses jobs campaign splash

Justin Welby puts stamp on regional daily

Express and Star editor Faber quits after 11 years

Harrison to take charge at top selling daily

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.