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November 2019 News

Regional editor set to leave role as union condemns pre-Christmas cuts

Weekly news chief also among those said to be at risk

Industry launches fightback against politicians’ ‘fake newspapers’

Regional publisher uncovers Lib Dem leaflet which resembles neighbouring weekly

Journalism graduate now ‘teaching vicars how to use computers’

Former students share stories about their career destinations

Video central to what we do says ‘Live’ site reporter

City platform is aimed at younger audience

JPIMedia sells the i to Daily Mail owner for £49.6m

Deal worth more than double what forerunner paid for title

Reach confirms it is pulling out of JPIMedia bidding war

Move clears way for Newsquest takeover

Journalists and PR staff set to go amid cuts at independent publisher

Company also plans to close PR agency

Victim of ‘danger to public’ praises daily’s fight to name attacker

Teen now identified after turning 18 behind bars

Newspaper makes front page bid to stop party season drink-driving

Victims’ stories shared as readers urged not to turn “blind eye”

Former JPIMedia training boss honoured for outstanding contribution

Plus: Full list of winners from NCTJ excellence awards

Sports journalism course named best in UK

Best performing training courses named at NCTJ conference

Community reporters ‘uncovering stories that would have been missed’

Facebook-funded journalists speak about their roles at conference

Almost 5,000 back daily’s bid to name street after war and charity hero

Petition started after death aged 99

‘Loss-making’ weekly closes amid further cuts by regional publisher

Editorial jobs across UK at risk in proposals

Regional daily reveals move to new city centre office

Return to heart of patch after half a century away

Sports editor supported through illness by cricket stars dies aged 75

Boycott and Bairstow sent mesages of support to former regional daily journalist

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.