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November 2021 News

Editors reshuffled as publisher plots regional ‘newsletters-first’ strategy

Move announced after news chief’s departure revealed

Editor of five digital titles poached to oversee three sister dailies

News chief has held current post since start of year

Editor and crime reporter reunite to launch new city title

Pair poached to set up site

Regional editorial boss takes up new journalism training role

Director “delighted and honoured” to accept position

Daily launches £5m bid to build Motor Neurone Disease centre

Newspaper backs bid to honour former rugby player

Daily’s digital editor to compete for national young journalist prize

Journalist pleased with nomination after “really fulfilling year”

Publisher’s junior football title celebrates subscription milestone

Newsletter was launched nine months ago

Editor returns to regional publisher weeks after revealing departure

News chief takes charge of four weeklies

Paedophile clergyman fails in second anonymity bid thanks to reporter

Naming was put on hold after judicial review claim

Editor hits out at council newsletter’s ‘largest local newspaper’ claim

Authority accused of “undercutting” paper on ad rates

News site’s description of ‘far right’ group was valid, watchdog rules

Title provided numerous examples of members’ views

Ex-editor stands down as councillor to concentrate on media work

Former news chief will not stand for re-election

Daily launches new title as part of business coverage rebrand

Supplement to be published every week

Country’s top local democracy reporter retains crown at awards

Prizes handed down at annual conference

Child rapist’s IPSO complaint against regional daily partially upheld

Publication accepted inaccuracy but offered to publish correction

Daily news editor known for ‘wisdom and kindness’ dies aged 70

Journalist served newspaper until retirement five years ago

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.