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April 2013 News

Welsh website is latest to unveil new look

A Trinity Mirror regional website has become the latest to announce a new design as part of a roll-out across the company. WalesOnline, the online platform for the Western Mail, South Wales Echo and Wales on Sunday, unveiled its new

Editor defends newspaper’s campaign after measles outbreak

News chief says title reflected concerns of 1990s about MMR jab

New-look seniors exam sees pass rate rise to 54pc

Plus: the full list of newly-qualified seniors

Journalist wins prize for ‘exceptional’ exam answer

Four trainees given awards for top marks in NQJ

Examiners praise NQJ candidates’ grasp of ethics

What the judges said about the new seniors’ exam

Politician condemned for calling journalists “Provos”

NUJ calls for “unacceptable” comments to be withdrawn

All aboard for weekly’s souvenir special

Supplement brought in thousands in extra ad revenue

Former weekly editor recalls rare Thatcher interview

Weekly news chief met former Prime Minister 25 years ago

Editorial director to speak at new media conference

An editorial director at Johnston Press is among the speakers at a new media conference being held this month. Former Yorkshire Evening Post editor Paul Napier, who is now group editorial development director for JP, will speak at the Acamedia

Councillors to make own stories live on newspaper sites

Letting people upload stories direct to web ‘cuts out middle man’

Top website falls for weekly’s April Fool spoof

Prank story claimed huge Kate Moss statue would be built in shopping centre

Editor’s second children’s book goes to press

Comes as schoolgirl creates new character for series

Diamond anniversary for former daily chief reporter

Celebration comes after British Empire Medal honour for retired reporter

Training Matters: Integrating ethics into NCTJ Diploma

Training chief explains post-Leveson changes to journalism exam

Publisher launches new website for lifestyle mag

A regional publisher which relaunched a portfolio of local lifestyle magazines earlier this year has launched a new website for one of the titles. Archant rebranded its entire 16 magazines titles in London under a single Resident banner in February, which

Home town weekly sets up online tribute to Thatcher

News of former Prime Minister’s death makes headlines around world

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.