AddThis SmartLayers

March 2021 News

‘Consummate regional newspaper journalist’ dies suddenly after cancer fight

Feature writer worked for paper for three decades

Facebook to give journalists and publishers greater control on comments

Move comes after weekly’s criticism of social media firm

Regional publisher launches national news title with team of 27 journalists

Publication aims to challenge those “cocooned in the wealth and grandeur” of London

Ex-daily journalist launches MP bid to take on ‘Westminster elite’

Former sports reporter plans to “give it a crack” in by-election

Christmas ad lyrics inspire daily’s front page bid to ‘Save Our Shops’

Newspaper warns of “domino effect” on retails amid bid to save shop

Daily’s coronavirus memorial plaque stolen hours after unveiling

Police investigating theft from park

Publishers discover winners of new local democracy reporter contracts

BBC informs successful bidders after retendering process

Weekly wins courtroom fight to name ‘cruel’ dad who broke baby’s leg

Child still unable to talk properly due to attack

Chief reporter steps up to become editor of five sister weeklies

News chief “excited to take over” at titles

Publisher poaches rival’s digital chief to serve in new director role

Plan to create “deeper connections with the readers” online

Independent website to carry out investigations for daily

New partnership announced between titles

Regional publishing group unveils new permanent chief executive

CEO has been “passionate about regional media since childhood”

Sister dailies run readers’ drawings of coronavirus crisis ‘heroes’

Series aims to be “lasting tribute to all frontline workers”

New plans could help regional newsrooms cover ‘double’ number of court cases

Government bid to increase use of virtual technology

Daily’s ‘first-rate’ former managing editor dies aged 73

Tributes paid to “true professional”

Publisher offers £1m of support to businesses through regional titles’ campaign

Bid to help companies as lockdown measures ease

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.