AddThis SmartLayers

November 2019 News

Johnson pledges to speak to weekly ‘at greater length’ after ‘poorly managed visit’

Corbyn hails importance of local press following Tory hospital visit

Ex-journalist proposes on stage at Elvis and Nirvana tribute gig

Couple’s love of live music prompts gesture in front of 2,000

Regional publisher wins national award for veteran suicides campaign

Mental health charity recognises group’s investigation into issue

Newsquest chief calls for further government support of regional press

Ministers told to “get out of the slow lane” and help industry

Jobs at risk as newspapers invite applications for voluntary redundancy

Company says it may have “little alternative” to compulsory axings

Weekly wins bid to name teen murder suspect identified on social media

Judge sides with newspaper as trial date set

Teen convicted over cat’s death in washing machine goes to IPSO

Youth was unhappy with daily’s court report of case

Newspaper launches search for ‘true love’ as nurse bids to find admirer

Woman’s appeal to readers becomes most read story online

Retired journalist has story he began almost 40 years ago published

Former deputy news editor’s novel was inspired by Falklands War

Daily to move to new office as home for half a century sold to university

Newspaper to switch to “fit for purpose” headquarters

Former editor named Businessman of the Year on old patch

Ex-news chief “over the moon” with honour

Thousands join regional daily-backed bid to bring rugby team home

Club forced to move away from patch for financial reasons

Daily teams up with university to broadcast live election hustings

Editor to chair debates in neighbouring constituencies

Union demands JPIMedia bidders rule out compulsory job losses

NUJ wants two-year moratorium pledge from winning bidder

Dyson at Large: Early online strategy comes full circle in 20 years

Is the industry moving on from giving content away for free?

Queen’s visit provides royal seal of approval for weekly’s campaign

Newspaper runs front page wraparound to mark occasion

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.