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August 2015 News

Up to 20 jobs to be axed across four sister newspapers

Cuts blamed on “substantial weakness” in advertising revenue

Convict sentenced for court assault on weekly photographer

Judge hands down community order for pushing lensman into railings

Right notes hit as daily smashes musical appeal target

Fifty instruments donated to help young people on patch

Sturgeon pays visit to weekly newspaper office

Scottish First Lady gives interview to journalists at title

Historic daily base to close with loss of 89 printing jobs

Publisher blames “reducing print volumes” for move

Former editor publishes debut political thriller novel

Journalist travelled to Far East to research book

Publisher’s revamped entertainment site hits a million unique users

Milestone reached six months ahead of target

Daily demands better rail link between London and its patch

New campaign aims to cut journey tmes between city and capital

Witness ‘concerned’ as weekly rewrites story over inaccuracy claim

Newspaper received complaint that testimony given at inquest was not correct

Law Column: ‘Revenge porn’ cases raise victim identification questions

Law expert examines reporting of newly created offence

Bunting masthead celebrates weekly reader’s 104th birthday

Editor splashes on anniversary after becoming “weary” of weeks of bad news

Anonymous daily reader saves scammed family’s holiday

Unknown “Christian donor” donates £350 to trip fund after reading about con

Celebrity chef to cook at regional daily’s annual ball

Plus: Round-up of latest journalism news

Baby boom in regional daily’s newsroom sees five new arrivals

Baby boys born to five journalists in last six months

Daily journalist loses cancer battle aged 38

Tributes to features writer who died with sports editor husband at her side

Memorial to journalist who died at 34 installed in former office

Friends, family and colleagues gather to commemorate year since reporter’s death

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.