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April 2013 News

Regional publisher launches new airport magazine

A regional publisher has joined forces with an airport to launch a new magazine. Newsquest’s Herald and Times Group will launch its High Flyer magazine next month, which will be the official customer magazine of Glasgow Airport, where 10,000 copies

Regional publisher switches to newspaper-branded websites

Portals will sit side by side with existing network

Policeman challenged weekly for criticising councillor

Investigation to be launched into sergeant’s behaviour

Yorkshire weeklies get third editor in six months

Journalist joins Newsquest titles from role with Johnston Press

Editor ‘chuffed to bits’ after finishing London marathon

News chief was aiming to raise cash for brain tumour charity

Deal struck over police demands to seize footage

NUJ welcomes decision after freelance journalist fought order

Archant expands digital director role to cover papers

Former boss will now report to digital chief

Daily editor asks for readers’ views on online paywalls

Online free for all is unsustainable says news chief

JP comeback for former Trinity Mirror executive

New regional MD appointed in reshuffle

Shorthand the key for Young Journalist candidates

HTFP-sponsored prize to be handed out next month

High five for Herald at Scottish Press Awards

Newsquest titles the big winners at 34th annual ceremony

Reunion to mark 50 years of journalism teaching

Managing editor of regional daily is among alumni attending event

Industry joins calls to scrap Royal Charter plan

Regional press would pay ‘unacceptably high price’ says NS

Daily’s dual splash reflects Thatcher divide

Newsagents given a choice between pro- and anti-Thatcher splashes

New head of content for West Country daily

A new head of content has been appointed for Bristol-based title the Western Daily Press. Richard Bache moves to the role from that of content editor on the paper’s production desk. A graduate of Loughborough University, Richard began his career

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.