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September 2021 News

Dailies to regain dedicated editors as news boss poached by rival publisher

Editor to leave for new “central” role

Journalism trainer warns editors against ‘dismissing’ readers over fuel crisis

Poll finds 47 pc of public blame media for issue

City daily scoops double at journalism awards

Journalists honoured at annual ceremony

Regional Sunday title to take on nationals for prestigious award

Other regionals also in running for prizes

Ex-national journalist takes up senior role as local title expands

Independent website hires promotions editor

Executive joins publisher to boost technical prowess

Product boss previously worked for company as consultant

ABC demands end to publisher’s ‘misrepresentation’ of circulation data

Auditor urges company to cease publishing claim

Editorial boss slams claims over coverage of Nessa and Everard cases

News chief says allegation “definitely not true” of her title

Former daily sports sub-editor dies of cancer aged 61

Journalist left newspaper due to ill-health

Daily celebrates grassroots sport in special edition

Readers were encouraged to submit team photos

Publisher gives schoolkids journalism career advice in social mobility drive

Project aimed at ending educational inequality

Law Column: Will the UK follow the US legal position on re-tweets?

Our fortnightly look at legal issues facing journalists

Editors slam abuse of local journalists covering fuel and food crises

News chief says media blame “shocking and frightening”

Entertainment writer ‘loved by everybody’ dies aged 80

Journalist served patch for almost half a century

Editorial boss named publisher’s best employee at awards

More than 230 staff attend ceremony

Publisher launches bid to give businesses ‘a Christmas to remember’

Free guide offers advice for festive season

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.