AddThis SmartLayers

April 2013 News

Journalist shortlisted for Amnesty International prize

A journalist from Scottish title The Sunday Herald has been shortlisted for a prize in Amnesty International’s annual Media Awards. David Pratt has been nominated in the Nations and Regions award for an article headlined “Where Termites have more to eat

Regional press ‘must undergo more cuts to survive’

Report highlights challenges facing local newspapers

Dyson at Large: The wider economics of going weekly

Have frequency changes paid off asks blogger

Job losses reduced by ten at Scotsman titles

Company announces fewer journalists to go but pages to be cut

Website goes into print with launch of fortnightly paper

Council grant helps fund reverse publishing move

Chief sub steps up to acting editor role

Journalist covered fall of apartheid regime

Hundreds sign up for daily’s life-saving campaign

Discount first aid vouchers have been snapped up by readers

Former deputy editor of weekly dies at 87

Journalist also served as treasurer for NUJ branch

Regional daily creates dance of Di Canio celebrations

Paper enlists local street dancer to produce video

Reporter to be based in library as JP office closes

Title confirms it will move out of town this week

True Vietnam war story told in former sub’s new e-book

Retired journalist released book through Amazon

Publisher starts major refurbishment of headquarters

15-month project aims to improve energy efficiency

Training Matters: The most vital bit of public affairs

Our fortnightly look at training issues facing the industry

Rhapsodic headline from Ulster weekly

Is the headline writer from the Ulster Gazette a Queen fan, by any chance?

Journalists ‘searched’ by police on way to cover march

Union criticises force for stopping mini-bus on way to demonstration

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.