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November 2020 News

Watchdog rejects council worker’s complaint about interview with alleged stalker

Newspaper was entitled to publish first-hand account

Coronavirus has changed ‘stereotype’ of journalists, says Maguire

News chief says people are “rediscovering the importance of journalism”

Dailies celebrate after footballers deliver on newspaper’s Trumpian plea

Splashes mark historic victory

Journalism students honoured at annual broadcasting awards

Twelve prizes handed down at ceremony

Thug jailed for three years after attacking reporter outside court

Assault left journalist “scared and worried about going to work”

Ex-daily editor launches news and comment site for old patch

Former news chief “frustrated” by lack of platform for opinions

New guidance produced for journalists covering Muslims and Islam

Campaigner welcomes “excellent balance” in guidelines

Copy of daily signed by pop star sells for hundreds at auction

Autographed news bill also raises three figures for charity

Local journalism project joins forces with national for new campaign

Scheme to examine impact of insecure work

Regional daily picture editor dies aged 54 after cancer battle

Tributes paid to “hugely popular” regional press photographer

Digital content chief quits publisher to work on ‘new projects’

Director who writes for weekly to work on book

Readers ‘particularly kind’ over regional press pandemic coverage, editors told

Political journalists hit out at “chaotic” government communications

Daily issues correction after complaint about legal row involving councillor

Man went to press watchdog over coverage

Daily’s investigation uncovers alleged racism at Tony Blair’s old school

Editor urges readers to back investigative journalism after probe

Dailies revive pen pal scheme which connected more than 1,000 worldwide

Fresh bid launched to help combat lockdown loneliness

Reporter slams readers’ ‘hateful attack’ over spelling error

Journalist hits out at “spiteful comments” about mistake

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.