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January 2013 News

Former weekly chief reporter found dead at 63

Journalist dies just months into retirement

Amnesty International launches annual media awards

Amnesty International has launched its annual Media Awards which aim to recognise the best UK journalism about human rights issues. The charity’s 22nd annual awards will recognise the vital role of journalists and the risks they face in highlighting injustice

Dyson at Large: Irritating JP design mars decent content

Blogger uncovers ‘design gremlins’ in weekly

Photographers set to be axed at regional daily

Two positions at risk at title

Supplement marks cricket club’s 150th birthday

History of popular local club and interviews feature in 20-page pull-out

Editor hits out at council meeting Twitter ban

Reporter told by authority he could not live tweet proceedings

Survey to collect readership data for regional press

NRS to create readership estimates specific to local areas

Union donates funds in memory of blind journalist

A union branch has made a charity donation in memory of a blind journalist who died last year at the age of 76. The Derby and Burton branch of the National Union of Journalists has made a donation to help

Regional daily unveils North-South edition split

Further new editions set to be launched in future

‘Ad blackout’ council accused of stifling free speech

Debate on press freedom will not go ahead

Consultation on libel protection for website operators

Our fortnightly look at legal issues facing the industry.

DMGT completes sale of Northcliffe to Local World

Deal finalised for regional publishing groups

Belfast riots reporter sent bullet in post

Journalist one of several to receive threats says police service

Under-threat PCC reveals high public satisfaction scores

Commission publishes survey results from complainants

Hospital order for son who killed ex-journalist dad

Former reporter and radio presenter was beaten to death with a hammer

Editor leaves weekly title just months after returning

News chief was previously at the helm 11 years ago

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.