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November 2020 News

Former daily editor leaves regional title after 14 years

News chief says farewell to “one of the best jobs in the business”

Publisher launches new regional football news apps

Initiative targets fans of seven clubs

Reach fends off challenge to win clearance for tabloid takeover

Union had questioned deal after it was announced

Regional publisher’s local democracy reporters win union recognition

Company employs 37 journalists under scheme

Pop star launches Christmas single with ad in hometown daily

Editor praises singer for backing “power of local print”

Daily admits Editors’ Code breach after drink-driver’s complaint

Woman went to press watchdog over court case coverage

Ex-newsdesk chief dies aged 66 after coronavirus diagnosis

Journalist had retired just two months ago

Justice chief says remote access to courts likely to take ‘one step back’

Peer discusses subject as part of SoE Conference

Publisher reveals online subscriptions boost after newsroom restructure

Journalists split into three teams as part of changes

Ex-weekly editor joins business magazine in senior role

“Superb journalist” taken on by title

Football director takes on ex-employer with hometown paper launch

Publisher hopes to employ editorial staff in future

Editor touts launch of external body to ‘keep an eye’ on weekly

Idea comes as newspaper publishes 2,000th edition

Seven-figure flats plan unveiled after publisher sells daily’s office

Newspaper now based at home of sister weekly

Famous war poster inspires daily’s coronavirus warning splash

Health chiefs warn of patch restrictions after national lockdown

Editors warned increasing diversity a matter of ‘life or death’ for newspapers

Debate also highlights importance of newsroom investment in training

Newsdesk chief known for ‘distinctive laugh’ dies aged 92

Former crime reporter spent 34 years with newspaper

Group Copy Editor Big 5 Search Kenya, closes 29 Oct
Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in PR & Journalism (Sports Journalism) Leeds Beckett University Leeds, closes 28 Oct
Staff Writer Blackball Media Home Based, closes 22 Oct
News Editor William Reed Ltd Crawley/ Hybrid, closes 14 Nov

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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.