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September 2018 News

Editor offers tongue-in-cheek ‘apology’ for Brexit story-advert juxtaposition

Sister daily previously backed Remain and opposes “hard Brexit”

World learns of Postman Pat creator’s death through local paper notice

Family announcement goes viral online

Five staff to be redeployed as weekly newspaper shuts after seven years

Publisher plans to redeploy journalists within company

City daily reveals toilet closure plans council tried to keep secret

Newspaper splashes on cuts proposal scoop

Sports editor leaves regional publisher for new lecturing role

Plus: Round-up of latest local press job moves

Daily trials return to pre-rebrand format of website’s news page

Stories to appear in chronological order after reader research

Friday Funnies: Question marks over heroine’s choice of hideout

New base is not quite the Batcave

Tindle closes hyperlocal monthly after nine-year ownership

Free monthly had circulation of 6,000

Journalists should be allowed to take photos in court, says academic

Call to also relax restrictions on audio recording during hearings

Publisher axes weekly series saying they have no ‘sustainable future’

Company says sister daily will continue to cover patch

Daily stages anti-knife crime concert in bid to tackle problem on patch

Newspaper also touring schools as part of campaign

Council to be grilled over newsletter revival plan after government warning

Committee to discuss publication’s future today

City site reporter becomes latest journalist to open up on depression

Decision to speak out made in bid to help “even just one person struggling”

Exhibition celebrating former daily photographer’s life opens

Pictures from memorial park bench to feature

Judge backs daily’s bid to name teenager who killed stepmother with sword

Call for “informed debate” over murderer’s online obsession

Newspaper group made £8m profit, not £7m loss says finance chief

“Corporate restructure” blamed for headline figure recorded in report

News Reporter MyLocalNews Hemel Hempstead, closes 10 Feb
Editor Moneyfacts Group Norwich/Remote, closes 6 Feb
Senior Journalist Midland News Association - Express and Star Wolverhampton, closes 10 Jan
Multi-media Journalist Veterinary Business Development Peterborough/Remote, closes 16 Jan

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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.