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March 2021 News

New editor appointed to boost daily’s district coverage

News chief to be in charge of digital brand

Government launches crackdown against online abuse of journalists

Plan includes commitment from social media firms to do more to tackle abuse

Give us a new Duke and Duchess, say Sussex weeklies

Editor wants Harry and Meghan stripped of titles

Law Column: IPSO and the regulation of user-generated content

Our fortnightly look at legal issues facing journalists

Long-serving journalist unveiled as daily’s managing editor

News chief has worked in industry for 38 years

Journalists reunite for regional publisher’s new podcast

Weekly show to look at politics and current affairs

Daily issues front-page ‘thank you’ to teachers as pupils return

Newspaper will carry messages over three editions due to volume

Watchdog rejects ex-editor’s complaint over daily’s coverage of speech

IPSO found reporter’s subterfuge was in public interest

Publisher unveils four new recruits as 75,000 digital subscriber bid launched

Senior hires appointed to editorial team

Reporter shares jab experience in bid to encourage take-up

Journalist has history of respiratory problems

Regional interest magazine celebrates 25 years in business

Special edition marks milestone

Hyperlocal journalists aim to sell stories to publisher as new trial launched

Project lead hails “dawn of a new era in local journalism”

Daily editor urges BBC to ‘stay away’ from covering local news online

News chief issues warning over competition

Regional Press Awards deadline extended by a week

SoE says newsrooms “finding it difficult” to meet original deadline

Five new editors unveiled in publisher’s drive to localise journalism

News chiefs will be in charge of individual titles

Newspaper editor dies days after celebrating 70th birthday

Tributes paid to journalist who led title’s “revival”

Press Officer Ministry of Justice Westminster, closes 19 Feb
News Reporters and Sub-Editors DMG Media London, closes 21 Feb
News Reporter MyLocalNews Hemel Hempstead, closes 10 Feb
Financial Data Journalist Moneyfacts Group Norwich/Remote, closes 7 Mar
Editor Moneyfacts Group Norwich/Remote, closes 4 Mar
Multi-media Journalist Veterinary Business Development Peterborough/Remote, closes 13 Feb

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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.