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November 2020 News

Editor slams fake news site posts which caused businesses to lose trade

Falsified images featured title’s branding

Deputy editor who spent 40 years in journalism dies aged 83

Journalist was “go-to expert on local sports”

Ex-regional press journalist to launch media training firm after BBC departure

Reporter wants to use experience to “help others”

Readers’ ‘toxic behaviour’ has sparked crisis for sports journalists, content boss says

Editors hear reporters facing “unprecedented level” of abuse

Regional entries wanted for human rights journalism awards

Submissions welcomed for 2021 scheme

‘Fake journalist’ convicted of fraud after lifting regional daily’s copy

Fraudster had called for reader donations

Journalist bows out after 55 years with same newspaper

Deputy editor says farewell on same day

Six journalism jobs created in publisher’s bid to boost Google views

Four apprentice roles up for grabs in recruitment drive

Retired editor makes front page after becoming city’s mayor

Former news chief is 647th person to hold the role

Publisher gives backing to ‘advertising centre of excellence’

Multiple media groups lend support to project

Local newspapers win five-figure emergency coronavirus grants

Publications across UK benefit from scheme

Publisher to axe 150 jobs in print plant closure plans

Two of six sites set to shut

Football club bans daily after deeming match reports ‘non-essential’

Reporter backed by Sky Sports presenter in access row

Chief reporter’s month-long probe prompts business coach to pay £5,000 debt

Investigation into ‘unscrupulous behaviour’ wins industry plaudits

Daily says sorry for ‘deeply insensitive’ headline on teen inquest story

Editor orders staff training on suicide reporting

Beer buffs back publisher’s new tool to help UK pubs during lockdown

Readers urged to support local businesses through campaign

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.