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September 2018 News

Ex-regional journalist who worked with Andy Warhol dies aged 91

Reporter also interviewed Marilyn Monroe and Rock Hudson

Weekly helps secure Spurs tickets for kids hit by thieving football coach

Dream trip to Wembley back on after newspaper’s intervention

Daily celebrates 20th anniversary of hospice it helped build

Newspaper’s Diana memorial appeal led to facility being built

Second former regional journalist presents Jack the Ripper theory

Ex-crime reporter says proof is “beyond reasonable doubt”

Police refuse to confirm publisher’s arrest – despite his paper splashing on it

Armed cops stopped news chief over alleged “hate crimes”

Union wants LDR scheme to cover courts as tech giants face calls for levy

Call for expansion of taxpayer-funded journalism project

Eleven regional photographers make royal picture contest longlist

Photos of Queen and Trump among those selected

Former daily journalist whose family fled Hitler dies aged 88

Tributes to journalist who was “one of the first to take environmentalism seriously”

Law Column: Combatting the spread of fake news

Our fortnightly look at legal issues facing journalists

Daily hits back by revealing council secrets despite journalist ban

Editor says authority should “hang its head in shame”

Publisher of three daily titles records £7m pre-tax loss for 2017

Number of editorial staff slightly increased over year

Editors must let parents ‘thrive’ as journalists, says reporter

Call for importance of newsroom diversity to be recognised

Editor hails ‘clear market for local news’ as weekly marks first anniversary

Second title launched in ‘newspaper war’ celebrates milestone

‘Skilled’ former daily assistant editor dies aged 89 after cancer fight

Tributes paid to “a fine journalist and a true gentleman”

Ex-weekly journalist claims he has discovered identity of Jack the Ripper

Author began researching case while working on local newspaper

PA announces location of new London headquarters

Agency also set for rebrand to coincide with move

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.