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November 2014 News

Staff morale hit by cuts, admits Johnston Press chief

Ashley Highfield pledges strategy to free up journalists’ time

Daily review writer and librarian dies aged 68

Archivist credited with helping “many journalists”

More photographic jobs go at regional publisher

Two to leave in further group-wide cuts

Tindle-owned weekly celebrates 125 years

Special supplement released to honour anniversary

Match report on 'tedious' bore-draw goes viral

Sportswriter’s mix of football and philosophy proves a web hit

Local World title to go twice-weekly in New Year

Publisher in partial U-turn on 2011 frequency change

Newspaper joins bid to raise £2m for hospital

Scottish daily backs funding initiative

Union members get pay rise at dailies

NUJ claims 2pc increase is “paltry”

Journalists set for 30-mile move after office closure

Redundancies expected as editor leaves in shake-up

Welsh Media awards to be relaunched

Journalists’ charity event open for entries

Daily newsdesk chief heads for academic future

Journalist steps down to pursue new career

Training Matters: An apprenticeship update

Our fortnightly look at training issues facing the industry

Never mind the b******s, it's Halloween

Editor gives spooky story green light after newsroom debate

Regional daily editor quits for PR role after nine years

News chief to take up public health post

Subbing hub jobs toll reaches 120 says union

NUJ describes latest redundancy plans as “madness”

Newspaper praised for ousting abuser politician

Convict resigned 48 hours after campaign was launched

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.