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July 2021 News

English journalist ‘still talking to’ Italian partner after Euro 2020 final

Couple watched game in separate rooms

Journalist who became priest pens farewell column

Clergyman’s regular piece comes to an end

Daily teams up with independent title for week-long investigative series

Editor hopes to “stimulate discussion and debate”

Stolen plaque returned to rightful owners thanks to daily

Memento was handed into newspaper’s office

Editorial chief slams health bosses’ secrecy bid over ‘sensationalism’ fears

Department plans to stop key report from being published

Regional press shares in England’s ‘agony’ after Euro 2020 final defeat

How the dailies covered last night’s “heartbreak”

Sports editor who was among his era’s ‘best production journalists’ dies aged 64

Tributes paid to “universally regarded” journalist

Reader goes to IPSO over daily’s use of term ‘rubber-stamped’

Man took issue with phrase

Editorial chief takes on new senior editor role with publisher

Move comes after 20 years with sister titles

Daily launches bid to buy historic rules of football for world’s oldest club

Newspaper wants greater recognition of city’s role in sport’s creation

‘Gangsters’ threat against daily columnist prompts police action

Writer hits back at sexist abuse online

Regional news editor who went on to senior role in China dies aged 60

Tributes paid to journalist known for “warmth and innate decency”

Regional business title unveils first ever managing director

Publication planning extension of coverage

Journalist faces weekend of ‘hell’ with Italian partner ahead of Euro 2020 final

Couple’s “nightmare scenario” comes to pass as nations vie for football title

Editor thanks ‘exceptional’ estate agents as weekly launches new property guide

Subject “of huge interest to our readers”

Former political editor changes career to become organic farmer

Ex-journalist became inspired after growing own vegetables

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.