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June 2018 News

Journalists vote for industrial action after almost 60 jobs put at risk

But union will not act on result “at this stage”

Future of eight-month-old weekly under review as publication suspended

Historic regional press brand was revived last year

Daily honours patch’s Windrush generation with special supplement

Newspaper marks 70 years since ship carrying immigrants on UK soil

Law Column: Judges reminded that Section 4(2) orders are a “last resort”

Our fortnightly look at legal issues facing journalism

Weekly says sorry to widow over ‘accurate’ inquest report

Wife of deceased complained to IPSO after story was published

Four journalists join PA robot reporting unit as scheme expands

Project now aids more than 1,000 regional and hyperlocal press outlets

Ex-colleagues launch own paper to fight ‘erosion’ of local journalism

Duo aim to expand title after initially being told project was “mad”

Society of Editors announces host city for 2018 conference

Annual meeting to be held in November

Newsquest poaches daily newsdesk chief to edit neighbouring title

Industry “rising star” to take up new post next month

Student who learned shorthand with mouth helps mark 50 years of Teeline

Journalist in training overcame disability to master skill

Industry criticises planned ‘safe space’ law for NHS investigations

Trade body says plan will “undermine public confidence and patient safety”

Daily wishes its ‘Two Lions’ luck ahead of England World Cup opener

Newspaper splashes on messages of support for patch-born pair

‘Journalists’ FoI requests subjected to extra screening’ says information chief

ICO hits out at “unjustifiable, significant delays”

Reporter overturns court gag to reveal Michael Jackson tribute act child abuse charge

Junior journalist successful after challenging order before judge

Council to take government to court over fortnightly newsletter

Authority continues to defy ministerial order on publication frequency

Racist convicted after journalist’s inadvertent tip-off to police

Head of content alerted detectives while checking source’s tip-off

Group Copy Editor Big 5 Search Kenya, closes 29 Oct
Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in PR & Journalism (Sports Journalism) Leeds Beckett University Leeds, closes 28 Oct
Staff Writer Blackball Media Home Based, closes 22 Oct
News Editor William Reed Ltd Crawley/ Hybrid, closes 14 Nov

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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.