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July 2014 News

Local radio legend to receive honorary degree

Sports journalist has covered 2,700 games

North West media awards expand for 2014

O2 announce new categories to celebrate quality journalism

Leading regional daily editor backs metered paywalls

Company looking at subscription models

Newspaper ‘raided by special branch over paedophile story’

Journalist lifts lid on 1980s police raid

Editor slams ‘ridiculous’ right to be forgotten ruling

Regional daily story removed from Google searches

Contempt order lifted as journalist convicted of rape

Weekly newspaper applied for restrictions to be lifted

Former editor to help print journalists move to radio

Ex news chief teams up with radio production company

Newspaper tops 10,000 metered paywall subscriptions

Scottish daily claims overall increase in paid-for readership

Top regional daily launches apprenticeships scheme

Newspaper in bid to train next generation of newshounds

Training Matters: Journalism careers advice 1960s-style

NCTJ marketing manager delves into the archives

Binman turned news editor bows out after 44 years at weekly

‘Dad pestered me to become journalist’ says weekly newsma

Johnston Press to close weekly newspaper office

Journalists expected to be based at sister title

Publisher invests in self-publishing start-up

Platform ‘looking to transform the publishing industry’

Editor’s tribute to regional daily’s ‘Mr Farming’

Journalist presented with personalised cartoon

IPSO chairman to deliver Society of Editors Lecture

Judge to headline year’s biggest industry gathering

Tour coverage adds 12,600 to regional daily’s sales

Johnston Press title pulled out stops for event

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 19 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.