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March 2019 News

Daily makes front page plea urging football owner to sell club

Newspaper was previously banned from press box at games

Weekly launches children’s news video series

Project launched against “rising distrust in the media”

Daily columnist delivers own baby as ex-journalist wife goes into labour

Newspaper couple welcome new son at home

Regional magazine up for grabs at 1939 price to mark 80th anniversary

Queen congratulates title on milestone

JPIMedia to close eight newspaper offices with 20 more set to relocate

Up to 34 staff affected by changes

Weekly journalist who ‘could have worked on Fleet Street’ dies aged 69

Tributes paid to features editor who was ‘great asset’

Journalist shares new mum snap and urges readers to do likewise

Newspaper urges readers to follow suit for special Mother’s Day gallery

Law Column: Is ‘Cliff’s Law’ the future on anonymity?

Our fortnightly look at legal issues facing journalism

New paper pledges to ‘campaign vigorously’ for patch as it officially launches

Title aims to be “what local journalism is about”

Local football reports inspire journalism student’s award-winning article

Prize given annually in journalist’s memory

Former editor leaves newspaper after 44-year regional press career

News chief spent four decades writing for same paper

Journalist who opened up on dyslexia scoops awards double

Prizes handed out at ceremony

Daily reveals price rise to ‘bring it into line with market’

Increase at newspaper is first since current owner took over

Last call for regional entries to national investigative journalism prize

Deadline coming up soon

Print chief who spent nearly four decades with daily dies aged 93

Tributes paid to manager who was “brilliant to work with”

MP challenged over 72-hour media response-time after missing weekly’s deadline

Newspaper challenges Tory on justification for self-imposed limit

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.