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August 2020 News

Editor leaves regional dailies to take charge of sister title

News chief to take up post next month

Archant announces new ownership after investment firm deal

Two holding firms to go into administration

Hollywood actor lends support to recently-launched local news site

Oscar winner gives endorsement to independent title

Weekly commits to ‘slower, more considered journalism’ in new ad drive

Newspaper launches marketing campaign after editorial repositioing

Watchdog raps daily over photo after police press office mix-up

Man complained after image of his car accompanied story

Business editor who served daily for four decades dies aged 81

Tributes paid to journalist with “considerable skills”

Police chief backs daily’s bid to get tough on those who attack emergency staff

Backing provides splash for newspaper

Chief reporter leaves daily’s staff to take new roving role with paper

Move comes amid cuts by parent company

Senior editor leaves publisher after 20 years as colleague wins promotion

News chief is sixth in UK to depart company since restructure revealed

Ex-regional journalist urges industry to employ more black political reporters

Dailies’ former Westminster correspondent demands action on issue

Sun and Times publisher gives financial backing to NCTJ diversity fund

Media organisation becomes scheme’s latest sponsor

MP forgoes regular column in support of weekly’s striking journalists

Union brings initial 48-hour walkout to a close

Daily makes front page investment plea to Chancellor

Newspaper warns of potential £12bn hit to patch’s economy

Facebook reveals plan to pay UK news publishers for content

Company set to launch dedicated news channel for users

Ex-regional journalist takes on top editor role at PA

Journalist promoted from newsdesk post

New ‘matchmaker service’ launched to help reporters find interviewees

Platform “flips the PR industry on its head”

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.