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February 2015 News

BBC claims ‘absurd’ says editor as web browsers top 1m

Paper marks milestone with drone pic

Law Column: S.39 orders and parental consent

Our fortnightly look at legal issues facing the industry

Golden greetings from the spy who loved weekly

For his eyes only: Bond actor’s birthday message

Publisher claims 50pc sales boost for weekly after rival axed

Director hails estimate as proof of “appetite for print”

Entries now open for online media awards

March deadline for nominations

NCTJ award-winner quizzes Sun editor over Page Three

Tabloid news chief put on spot at training event

Former daily editor to run town business body

New role for news chief who quit post in December

Industry body appoints two new legal advisors

Pair will work on organisation’s lobbying issues

Newspaper to pay damages to former civil servant

Out-of-court settlement reached

Publisher reveals online election coverage plans

“Find my seat” service and “digital hustings” planned

Sunday's sales steady despite 12,500 year-on-year drop

Circulation loss of 38.2pc a year after launch

Entries now open for 2014 Regional Press Awards

Journalists can register for top prizes from today

Friday Funnies: One 'L' of a night for pub couple

Error rectified over “pubic” display of affection

Police dismiss reporter’s convict harassment appeal

Journalist ‘went beyond what was reasonable’ say cops

Get your tanks off our lawn, Highfield tells BBC

Johnston Press chief in robust response to local news report

Weekly editor quits for health service PR role

Plus: round-up of regional press job moves

Press Officer Ministry of Justice Westminster, closes 19 Feb
News Reporters and Sub-Editors DMG Media London, closes 21 Feb
News Reporter MyLocalNews Hemel Hempstead, closes 10 Feb
Financial Data Journalist Moneyfacts Group Norwich/Remote, closes 7 Mar
Editor Moneyfacts Group Norwich/Remote, closes 4 Mar
Multi-media Journalist Veterinary Business Development Peterborough/Remote, closes 13 Feb

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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.