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July 2014 News

Yorkshire titles aim to turn county yellow

Newspapers team up for air ambulance fund-raising bid

Press Association editor to step down after 15 years

Jonathan Grun to step down next May

New editor takes charge at regional daily

Existing news chief steps up to MD role

Weekly marks 140th anniversary with special edition

Seven-page feature highlights history of paper

Editor hits out after police ban reporters from briefing

Force blasted for hand-picking media representatives

Welsh councils spend £1m-a-year on town hall Pravdas

FoI request reveals scale of spending

Regional daily lists top 100 things about its patch

North East title revisits ‘100 reasons’ supplement – ten years on

Supplements galore as Le Grand Depart draws near

Celebs take turns in the hot saddle to support world-famous bike race

Editorial director to bow out after 17 years at helm

Weekly news chief stands down after 40 years at paper

Four wins out of five for Northern Ireland daily

Bel Tel editor named journalist of the year

On-the-run prisoner contacts newspaper over ‘mistake’

Fugitive asks for newspaper correction

How much do you get paid, pupils ask reporter

Journalist takes part in school Q&A

Editor-in-chief of London weeklies to step down

News chief to bow out after 45 years in industry

Ex-editor’s book features in literature exam

‘It’s a bit of a coup’ says former news chief

Training Matters: Top tips from 25 years of journalism

Editor-turned-PR man gives his views

Regional publisher honours top-performing staff

Company’s annual awards handed out in London

Senior Media Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Content, Channels and Engagement Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Communications Lead – Chief Media Officer  Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Senior Content, Channels and Engagement Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Media Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Communication Planning Manager Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Communications Manager NCTJ Saffron Walden, closes 26 Sep
Press Photographer North News and Pictures Newcastle, closes 13 Sep

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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.