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April 2018 News

March NQJ: Shorthand and spelling highlighted in examiners’ report

Round-up of what the examiners said about the March NQJ

Competition watchdog launches probe into Trinity Mirror Express takeover

Investigation to look into media pluraliy issues

Journalist defiant after being attacked by shoplifter outside court

Reporter says he “won’t be bullied” after trying to film defendant

Senior editor leaves regional publisher for travel guide directorship

Journalist moves away from industry after more than 20 years with titles

Lowest pass rate in almost five years as new seniors unveiled

Exam sittings were hit by ‘Beast from the East’

March NQJ: New senior scoops awards double for law and news report exams

Prize winners announced after latest exams

Regional newspaper owner takes majority stake in children’s magazine publisher

Deal made to “support the further growth of the business”

Dailies mark 20 years since Good Friday Agreement with specials

Coverage looks back on signing of peace deal

Editor hails ‘perfect’ new office as daily staff leave home of 45 years

Move comes as councillors back hotel plan for old HQ

Law Column: Reporting on fatalities – new guidance from IPSO

Our fortnightly look at legal issues facing journalism

MP who claimed weekly’s story was ‘not news’ has IPSO complaint thrown out

Troy claimed article implied Paradise Papers link

Digital editor involved in real-life Bridget Jones tale leaves industry

Journalist married jilted bride whose sad tale he covered for daily

Community paper prepares to mark fourth anniversary and 100th edition

Celebration to be held later this month

Journalists’ Charity calls for new supporters as care home closure announced

“Decrease in demand” cited for shutting of facility

Jobs to go at newly-purchased titles – but publisher pledges to invest in reporters

Voluntary redundancy scheme opened to staff

Bi-weekly makes one of its editions digital-only

No jobs affected as result of change

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.