The National Council for the Training of Journalists has lent its backing to Local Newspaper Week – hailing the regional press as an “excellent training ground” for young journalists.
The NCTJ is supporting the week, which begins today, by running a series of pieces on its website highlighting the experiences of local news journalists.
Newsquest editorial development director Toby Granville and Shropshire Star editor Martin Wright will be among those whose experiences will be features.
Pieces by Wakefield Express news reporter Laura Drysdale, Liverpool Echo senior reporter Josh Parry and Romford Recorded news reporter April Roach will also appear.
Laura, pictured, won Trainee Journalist of the Year at the 2017 NCTJ Awards for Excellence and also broke the record for the highest mark in a National Qualification in Journalism media law exam earlier in the year.
An NCTJ spokeswoman said: “As Local Newspaper Week begins today, the NCTJ is proud to support the campaign, run by Local Media Works.
“Now in its 20th year, the campaign celebrates the important role played by local newspapers in communities across the UK and the value of highly trusted local journalism.
“Local journalism remains an excellent training ground for young journalists and also provides opportunities for career progression.”
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So no-longer a place to enjoy a long and fulfilling career? Can’t decide whether that statement is patronising or just realistic.
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Thank the Lord when I was a trainee I benefitted from the old heads around me. Who had the time to help.
This statement by the NCTJ appears delusional and very patronising.
Does it mean the regional press isn’t quite journalism, that you have to progress to the nationals, and ‘spin’ everything, to have made your career?
And I know both sides of that particular coin.
Is this statement just spin itself, to keep would be students interested in filling NCTJ places, before finding there are fewer opportunities for work in the regional press?
Or is it a question of getting the grounding on regionals before going into the world of PR and press offices?
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