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March 2020 News

More than 40 journalists put on paid leave due to lack of sport

PA confirms move following coronavirus outbreak

Sister dailies dedicate front pages to ‘striking mural’ for NHS

Plus: Police get guidance on dealing with journalists covering coronavirus and our daily round-up of COVID-19 related news.

Daily delays 140th anniversary celebrations due to coronavirus

Newspaper plans to mark milestone in other ways

Former deputy editor dies after being diagnosed with coronavirus

Daughters were by bedside “top to toe in protective clothing”

Staff safety cited as paid-for weekly suspends publication

Newspaper states intention to resume production at later date

Watchdog raps weekly over claim that ‘ancient trees’ would be cut down

IPSO sides with property company after complaint

Regional daily’s 103-year-old home set to go on market

Report says property consultancy instructed on sale

Editor hits out over doctored guide to best spots to ‘take a w**k’

Fake news image was mentioned on national radio

Daily uses front page to announce halt to home deliveries

Plus: Publisher revives cartoon dog for homeschooled children, and our daily round-up of other coronavirus-related news

Publisher calls for online donations to help local titles ‘stay in the game’

Company already runs initiative on its national title

Launch editor who stayed in post until end of life dies aged 85

Newspaper says goodbye to founder after 37 years in charge

Watchdog raps daily over inaccurate teen inquest story

Reporter ‘misheard what coroner had said’

Football chant sung across patch thanks to daily

Plus: Journalism trainers share remote learning tips and other coronavirus-related news

Press watchdog’s chief executive leaves after five years

CEO replaced on acting basis by operations director

Publisher reveals revenue decline despite digital boost

CEO states aim to make more use of user registration

Pandemic causes publisher to shelve major newsroom restructure

Editorial chief on move as search for new boss suspended

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.