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November 2020 News

Publishers urge readers to ‘protect local journalism’ as lockdown 2 hits

Newspaper owners relaunch print and digital subscription drives

Newspapers produce poppy posters for readers to colour in

Initiative launched ahead of Remembrance Sunday

New editor not ‘immune to criticism’ over being based off-patch

News chief does not want to be seen as “removed” from readers

Daily to run weekly specials as it marks 150 years in business

Newspaper celebrating milestone until Christmas

Deputy head of print at regional daily dies suddenly aged 57

Tributes paid to serving journalist after cardiac arrest

Publisher states aim to buy and launch more titles despite profit drop

Company “optimistic” about future prospects

Publisher launches bid to boost black-owned businesses

Business owners urged to share their story

‘Goodbye Mr Bond': Front page farewells to Sean Connery

Newspapers pay tribute to 007 actor with special editions

Local news title reveals revival plans weeks after shutting

Crowdfunding appeal launched for project

Daily reunites stabbing victim and woman who saved her 20 years on

Good Samaritan read appeal in newspaper

News site says sorry to football boss over ‘false and damaging allegation’

Apology issued over article about patch club’s former captain

Former deputy editor departs after second spell with weekly

Journalist moves from daily to cover her patch

Further regional press figures added to SoE Conference line-up

Panellists for two debates revealed

Publisher reaches halfway point in bid to get tougher littering sentences

Editor thanks regional newsrooms for backing

Weekly launches bid to help coronavirus-hit firms at Christmas

Editor urges readers to shop local

Sports journalists urged to enter awards amid hopes for physical ceremony

Regional category up for grabs

Senior Media Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Content, Channels and Engagement Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Communications Lead – Chief Media Officer  Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Senior Content, Channels and Engagement Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Media Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Communication Planning Manager Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Communications Manager NCTJ Saffron Walden, closes 26 Sep
Press Photographer North News and Pictures Newcastle, closes 13 Sep

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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.