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February 2013 News

Weekly editor named publisher’s top news chief

Award follows coverage of council scandal

Traffic notices to stay in local newspapers

But Tory blogger hits out at ‘subsidy’

Bulger case still gives me sleepless nights says editor

Journalist recalls ‘dark chapter in criminal history’

Trinity Mirror staff get £100 payouts as bonuses axed

Another 32 jobs to go in sales and credit control

Daily which exposed health scandal is first with report

Investigation by Midlands daily sparked major inquiry

‘Angry’ journalists celebrate new title launch

Tindle mounts fightback in circulation battle

Winning Local TV bidder promises 63 new jobs

City broadcaster plans 24/7 coverage

Regional daily posts ‘virtual bills’ in new sales drive

Traditional bills outside newsagents no longer enough, says editor

Children take on regional editor’s job for a day

Youngsters awarded day in the newsroom after raising £11k for charity

Retired journalist celebrates 100th birthday

Centenarian still reads his old paper every day

Regional daily reporter to appear on Countdown

Episode of quiz show to be broadcast next month

Local Newspaper Week to highlight press freedom

The need for local newspapers to be free to scrutinize authority and hold the powerful to account is to be highlighted in this week’s Local Newspaper week. With discussions still ongoing over the future of press regulation in the wake

Cameron praises press for business growth scheme

‘Huge credit to papers taking part’ says PM

Regional publisher to help distribute £4m cashpot

Funds awarded as part of government scheme

Journalism lecturer rewrites music history book

A journalism lecturer has published a new version of her 17-year-old book about female pop musicians. Lucy O’Brien, a former NME journalist now lecturing in music and fashion journalism at the University for the Creative Arts in Surrey, first wrote

Reporter battling cancer dreams of another front page

Journalist reveals his “ecstasy” at being told his treatment is working.

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.