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June 2021 News

Local news site wins fight to name complainant in police misconduct case

Editor hopes deciaion will “set a useful precedent”

Fifty Facebook reporters retained in journalism roles, NCTJ reveals

Almost 30 now working in different full-time posts

At least seven jobs at risk as publisher plans to shut presses

Equipment becoming “increasingly difficult to maintain”

Regional press titles celebrate historic England win over Germany

Daily sports writer among those to cover game from Wembley

Ex-regional journalist’s last column published on day she died aged 71

Editor pays tribute to “wonderful writer”

Daily urges businesses to cut out PR ‘middlemen’ with new campaign

Newspaper offers guaranteed coverage at discounted rate

Local news site closes as publisher launches new title on same patch

One other reporter affected by decision

Journalism student’s film exposes racism in city where he studies

Twenty-year-old’s own experiences prompted him to make documentary

Daily becomes official media partner of patch’s City of Culture bid

Organisers hail newspaper’s “crucial” support

National journalist unveiled as regional daily’s new Westminster correspondent

Reporter “can’t wait to get started” at newspaper

Journalist opens up on life with heart device after Christian Eriksen incident

Footballer to receive implant after on-pitch collapse

Regional and hyperlocal titles urged to enter national awards

‘Live’ ceremony planned for later this year

Man jailed after sending reporter photos of friends having sex with ponies

Regional daily helps to secure conviction

IPSO raps weekly for presenting wife’s domestic abuse claims as fact

Watchdog says alleged abuser and children could have been identified

‘Suspect’ council refuses reporter details of contract probed by police

FoI rejected despite acceptance of “public interest” in disclosure

Former journalist appointed deputy mayor of old patch

Predecessor quit role

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.