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October 2020 News

Ministers warned independent news titles ‘will not survive winter’ without help

Government “refuses to engage” with sector, says ICNN

Regional publishing boss lands senior role with European news trade body

Industry boss lands vice president post

Publisher revives pioneering sticker album after inaugural edition’s success

More than 9,000 copies of book were sold last year

Publishers share ‘desire’ to continue Facebook reporter scheme beyond two years

Project has caused newsrooms to reflect on “nature of journalism”, report finds

Friday Funnies: Editor discovers ‘worst ever’ press release intro

News chief hands down award after receiving email

City news site says sorry for reporting swimming pool was ‘dogging hotspot’

Publication accepted there was “no evidence” for claim

JPIMedia confirms sale of ‘long-established’ magazine

Deal completed for undisclosed fee

Daily reveals ‘sinister findings’ after running social media special

Investigation examines internet’s “darker side”

Spy novelist who returned to journalism as weekly’s editor dies aged 78

Tributes paid to “highly intelligent” news chief

Journalism students to be honoured after ‘tough year’ as awards shortlist revealed

Twelve categories up for grabs

Hundreds raised in honour of editor after ‘out of the blue’ cancer diagnosis

Regional magazine chief has undergone chemotherapy

Journalist hits back after being branded c-word for covering rape charge

Reporter receives abuse from multiple readers over report

Editor slams convict’s publicly-funded lifetime anonymity bid

News chief raises “considerable concern” about case

More editors unveiled as speakers at debate on online abuse

Journalism training chief also on panel

Newsagent launches appeal after thieves steal 100 copies of regional daily

Editor says theft is “very disappointing”

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.