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July 2021 News

Daily ordered to publish Twitter correction over inaccurate ‘murder victim’ post

IPSO rules corrections must appear on same platform as inaccuracies

Ex-daily journalist steps up to take on editor role

Predecessor leaves for new job elsewhere

New study finds newspapers second-best source of coronavirus news

Only television polls higher

Journalism students honoured for front cover designing skills

Winning entry chosen by football magazine deputy editor

Journalism union survey finds majority prefer home environment for work

But NUJ branch calls for action to help those left disadvantaged

Journalism student wins award after creating music video for project

University honours aspiring journalist with prize

Weekly wins fight to name dead teen lawyers wanted to treat as living sex victim

Murderer’s defence counsel called for anonymity order

Daily editor slams ‘cruelty’ of online abuse against young journalists

News chief shares shock after recent incident involving reporter

Editor hits back at critics who claim weekly is ‘obsessed’ with Amy Winehouse

Singer’s local newspaper marks a decade since her death

Nominations revealed ahead of Scottish Press Awards ceremony

Nine new categories on offer

Ex-JPIMedia journalists join Reach for new title’s launch

Publisher unveils latest move on rival territory

Dozens of journalists to compete as Regional Press Awards shortlist revealed

Almost 40 prizes up for grabs

Twelve to compete for front page prizes at Regional Press Awards

Daily and weekly honours sponsored by HTFP

Johnson denies Official Secrets Act plans would lead to prosecution of journalists

PM says that is “not what we want to do at all”

Ex-regional journalist returns to old patch to take senior training role

Football reporter was most recently working for Sky Sports

‘Phenomenal’ former sub-editor dies aged 71

Journalist served different regional titles

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.