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March 2013 News

Deputy editor to be new NCTJ accreditation chief

Ex-BBC man joins training body

Murdoch deal provides £10m boost to Johnston Press

Second print contract deal is terminated

Weekly newsdesk chief moves up to edit sister title

New editor named for Local World weekly

Trinity Mirror digital chief quits after six months

The head of Trinity Mirror’s digital media division has left his role after six months, the company has confirmed. As managing director of digital media, Ian Dowds was responsible for developing Trinity Mirror’s multi-platform digital proposition. Ian, who began his

Journalists say no to industrial action over pay freeze

Talks taking place with publisher after consultative ballot by union

Top director leaves publisher with £825,000 exit package

Payment ‘recognises contribution to group’ says report

Newspaper’s relaunch returns iconic tower to masthead

New look unveiled to mark 140th anniversary of regional daily

Higgerson joins line-up for regional editors’ conference

Trinity Mirror digital publishing director David Higgerson has joined the line-up of speakers for next month’s Society of Editors regional conference. David will join Sarah Hartley of Talk About Local on the panel for a discussion about how publishers’ digital

Friends step up search for missing weekly reporter

Search continues for journalist feared missing in Scottish Highlands

Former football star takes reins at regional daily

Local personality is guest editor for the day

Weekly editor bows out after 33 years at title

Journalist succeeded his father at the helm of newspaper he founded

Journalists’ pay cut set to continue at North West daily

Bosses in discussions with staff over wage reduction

New editors named at Local World titles

Head of news promoted at West Country daily

Police “increasingly concerned” for missing reporter

Searches of car parks fail to find journalist’s vehicle

‘Stop talking, the press are here,’ says councillor

Politician told off for airing concerns in front of journalists

Regional press website goes head-to-head with HuffPo

Team will compete against BBC and Huffington Post for title

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.