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March 2021 News

Journalism lecturer quits university after revealing support for IRA

Resignation tendered to save journalism department “from any embarrassment”

Newsrooms urged to enter Regional Press Awards as deadline nears

Submissions must be sent in by Friday night

Daily ‘throws weight’ behind bid to merge seven councils into one

Newspaper backs move on front page

‘Aspiring journalist’ jailed for almost three years after drug bust

“Enthusiastic” student pleaded guilty following cash and cocaine find

Editor reiterates commitment to city as news site marks six years in business

Title was launched in 2015

Pandemic delivers £100m hit to Reach despite digital revenue growth

Company “well placed to make good progress” in 2021

Editor vows to work with ‘smaller, local publishers’ as national title launches

News chief also shares hopes for regular print edition

Daily launches ‘major expansion’ of opinion offering with high-profile signings

Ex-BBC political editor and former national football managers among those hired

Ex-editor joins website launched after demise of her former title

Online publication marks six months in business

Weekly offers Gordon Ramsay tour of patch after foul-mouthed jibe

Editor issues challenge to TV chef

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 19 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.