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July 2013 News

Online political discussion forum launched by daily

New site hopes to host debate, ideas and brain-storming on country’s politics

Law Column: The Royal Charter – where will it all end?

Our regular look at legal issues facing the industry

Deputy steps up to editor role at Midlands daily

No 2 succeeds boss who moved onto sister title

Parkin sells BusinessDesk.com to technology investor

Former daily business editor to remain as director

Weekly launches new editions after rival’s 55pc price rise

Cover price at Newsquest title to increase from 45p to 70p

Anger over plans to ban reporters from meeting

Regional title joins forces with opposition councillors to oppose move

Weekly’s consumer tale sparks national etiquette debate

Story of woman refused service for talking on phone proves a hit

Daily columnist recovering at home after freak accident

Racing journalist seriously injured in grass-cutting incident

Johnston Press launches Scottish recruitment service

Business rolled out north of the border

Newspaper publishes ‘murder wrap’ in bid to catch killer

Weekly circulates copies in four different languages

Tindle axes free weekly as new paid-for launched

Announcement comes just days after launch of new sister title

Regional editor’s home ransacked by party gatecrashers

Jewellery stolen by teenage revellers while editor was on holiday

Scottish journalist loses brain tumour battle aged 44

Writer launched blog aimed at “putting the ‘umour back into tumour”

Free weekly newspaper axed by Newsquest

Story in title told readers about closure

Campaign success allows disabled youngsters to swim

Appeals by sister titles also see results

Regional magazine editor retires after 23 years

Journalist has worked at titles across the area during 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.