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May 2013 News

Newspapers’ learning project wins global award

Scheme helps schoolchildren improve their maths

Former daily editor loses cancer battle at 55

Tributes to former regional news chief

Glossy magazine marks 100th edition

Archant-owned magazine The English Home is celebrating its 100th UK edition this month. Some 13 years after it first hit the newsstands, the current issue features a celebratory 17-page section entitled “The English Home Select 100” to highlight iconic and

Sassi to take on new challenge as Nottingham Post editor

Sentinel editor in job switch after seven years

Staff bid to raise £2,400 in former editor’s memory

Series of events organised by news chief’s colleagues

Editor takes on sister title as news chief has baby

Weekly editor will run two papers for a few months

Local press online BMDs platform sold to US firm

UK company acquired by world market leader

Weekly backs drive to secure theatre’s future

Venue aims to raise £122,500 through donations

Industry softens line on Royal Charter plan

Veto over appointments to watchdog is dropped

Trinity Mirror regionals to report monthly ABC figures

Publisher set to depart from traditional six-monthly reporting

Boris issues vote of confidence in London titles

Local newspapers play “huge role” says Mayor

Hall ‘manhandled’ me at awards bash says former regional journalist

Feature writer describes broadcaster’s “monstrous ego”

New town base for newspaper after three-month exile

Midlands weekly set to relocate next month

New editor appointed for Welsh sister weeklies

Journalist has worked at titles around country during 30-year career

Midlands newspapers unveil new-look websites

Roll-out of sites continues at regional publishers

Council newspaper curbs in Queen’s Speech package

Long-heralded move forms part of legislative programme

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.