AddThis SmartLayers

March 2013 News

Sister regionals go head-to-head in Newspaper Awards

Shortlist announced for awards which recognise production excellence

Editor raises thousands for London Marathon effort

Aching joints and gritting lorries no obstacle for determined weekly editor

Weekly paper’s film version goes on sale for £125

Mocked-up wraparound of newspaper used in horror flick

Former daily editor to lead Dylan Thomas celebrations

Retired newsman to help mark poet’s centenary

Newspaper publisher may be hit by £13m tax bill

Company announces fall in operating profits fall of 39pc in 2012

Regional daily newspaper confiscated as “offensive weapon”

Guards seized paper saying it could be set alight and used as a torch

Newsquest turns to YouTube to highlight power of press

Advertising campaign by publisher aims to show influence of local papers

Newspaper story ‘forced me to change child’s name’

Plus: Round-up of recently resolved PCC cases

Training Matters: Three lessons I learned on work experience

Our fortnightly blog focusing on journalism training issues

Agency buys out journalism training provider

Partnership creates Europe’s largest short course provider

Big two dailies head Scottish Press Awards shortlist

Nominations announced for awards which are in their 34th year

Regional daily helps overturn police secrecy bid

Force attempted to keep names of firearms officers secret

New chief reporter for flourishing island weekly

One of Scotland’s most successful island-based newspapers has appointed its first chief reporter. Jennifer Lyon, left, has been named chief reporter of The Arran Banner, the week after the Wyxex Media-owned title became one of only 13 paid-for weeklies in

Scottish daily to close office in capital city

Staff set to work from home under closure plan

Long-serving deputy bows out after new daily editor named

Journalist had been candidate for top job

Respected former court reporter dies aged 84

Journalist worked on some of Yorkshire’s most notorious criminal cases

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.