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June 2019 News

Daily bids farewell to football manager it fought to keep on patch

Petition was signed by thousands of supporters

New guidance produced for public on ‘dealing with press’ at major incidents

Guidelines also brought to help journalists covering such events

Football writers quit regional dailies to join sports news venture with 50 jobs in pipeline

Editorial roles set to be created by “quality local and national sports” website

Thatcher’s press chief twice rejected regional daily editorship, diaries claim

Former journalist says he was approached about role while working in Downing Street

Editor who saw daily through ‘difficult times’ dies aged 88

Tributes paid to news chief described as “thoughtful journalist”

Daily urges government to ‘show us the money’ after Powerhouse probe

Second regional newspaper highlights North-South economic divide on front page

Law Column: Headlines in context

Our regular look at legal issues facing journalists with media law experts Foot Anstey

Hyperlocals set to get help to turn stories into audio files

Tool will be available to trade body’s members

Weekly hits out at council’s ‘Stasi-like’ investigation into source of story

Probe comes after newspaper revealed details of secret meeting

Editor questions ‘bigger’ publishers’ commitment to some of their newspapers

Independent news chief hits out at staff cuts by “larger groups”

Readers march to minister’s door after weekly demands action over HS2

Editor hits out at inaction from “career politicians” over issue

Editor pledges to ‘keep the news flowing’ as new weekly launches

Publisher stepped in after historic title ceased publication

Chief photographer known for ‘dedication and loyalty’ dies aged 74

Tributes paid to lensman who was married to editor

Job cuts at dailies will leave journalists working in ‘intolerable conditions’, union claims

Up to 10 roles were set to be lost across three sister titles

Sportsdesk chief bids farewell to industry after more than 40 years

Journalist also served as crime reporter and news editor at daily

Weekly rapped for reproducing sister title’s story without full comment

Story about tins of apricots prompted complaint to press watchdog

Group Copy Editor Big 5 Search Kenya, closes 29 Oct
Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in PR & Journalism (Sports Journalism) Leeds Beckett University Leeds, closes 28 Oct
Staff Writer Blackball Media Home Based, closes 22 Oct
News Editor William Reed Ltd Crawley/ Hybrid, closes 14 Nov

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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.