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April 2013 News

PM shuns questions from local press during visit

Political reporter took to Twitter to vent frustration

New website goes live as South West roll-out continues

Former Exeter Express & Echo editor Marc Astley has unveiled the second of his websites under The Daily franchise. The Plymouth Daily went live yesterday, joining The Exeter Daily which was set up last October. The sites have been set

‘Right to Tweet’ could be extended after daily’s campaign

Senior judges to look into use of Twitter in tribunals

Reporter overturns ban on naming football hooligan

Teenager filmed by Sky Sports attacking goalie during match

Former press photographer makes switch to brewing

Micro brewery business taken over by former snapper and his wife

Journalists set to walk through fire for charity

Raising cash for two local children with cerebral palsy

Shortlist announced for Regional Press Awards

All the contenders for the industry’s biggest awards ceremony

Philpott case was toughest of my career says editor

Regional daily news chief on how paper stayed ahead of the pack

Weekly editor hands out jelly babies at half marathon

A weekly editor was part of a team from the newspaper who handed out jelly babies and water to runners in the Yeovil Half Marathon. A team from the Western Gazette including editor Emma Slee and reporter Claire Smyth manned

Dozens of jobs created in regional daily’s scheme

A regional daily paper helped create more than 85 new jobs in its local area thanks to cash from the Regional Growth Fund. The Western Morning News teamed up with Plymouth University to boost small businesses and increase employment, and

‘We got it wrong on reporting ban’ admits council

‘We got it wrong’ says town hall chief

Highfield to press ahead with online TV channels

Johnston Press chief speaks about plans at media conference

Changes see publisher promoting from within

New roles for home-grown journalists

Legal crackdown on town hall Pravdas moves forward

Pickles aims to prevent council newspapers from damaging local press

Deadline extended for South West Media Awards

Extra week to enter EDF Energy contest

Newspaper secures exclusive with Thatcher’s closest aide

Confidante had turned down all previous interview requests

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.