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January 2019 News

Where the new community news reporters will be based

Full list of 82 locations revealed

Independent publishers sign up to Facebook-funded community reporter scheme

Move comes after criticism of initial plan to limit project to five big groups

Editorial chiefs hail impact of social media on commercial operations

New revenue streams being opened up online, editor says

Community news magazine voted nation’s best closes after 50 years

Title ceases publication with immediate effect

Police probe hate crime after ‘Brexit’ leaflet sent to newspaper

Offensive material sent to title which serves Polish community

Journalist rescued after collapsing on remote ski slope

Reporter speaks out about mountain ordeal

Journalist opens up on past suicidal thoughts in bid to raise awareness

Health reporter thanks “incredibly supportive” regional daily colleagues

Regional journalists cover Brexit votes live after Parliament access victory

Lobby organisation secures Westminster space for local reporters

NMA succeeds in fight to save press freedoms in proposed new law

Trade body worked with MPs and peers from across political spectrum

Brexit has made me feel ‘like second class citizen’ says Catalan-born journalist

Reporter says “insulting” process has left her feeling like “second class citizen”

BBC to scrap live feed which links to regional press stories online

Corporation to replace feature with new pilot project

New county news site to absorb weekly newspaper portals

Changes announced as site prepares to go live next month

‘A strange kind of journo': My life as a local democracy reporter

Journalist gives his take as the scheme celebrates its first anniversary

Regional publisher appoints specialist group-wide Brexit reporter

Journalist to cover subject for company’s titles

Fresh look for HTFP with expanded content and jobs area

Higher profile for journalism course listings

Weekly launches new edition to fill void left by rival newspaper’s closure

Title will go to print for first time next week

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.