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January 2022 News

New group launches to help LGBTQ+ journalists in regional press

Network aims to share best practice for telling stories locally

Sports chief quits publisher after 34 years to take top football PR job

Journalist to work for club he used to cover

Journalist who served two dailies before Fleet Street career dies aged 64

Sports sub-editor retired in 2012

Editors share ‘take-down’ fears after report into online safety law

SoE says “exemption for journalistic content” must be implemented

Daily demands end to ‘blame game’ as club’s future hangs in balance

Newspaper reiterates plea to save team from extinction

Charity concert to be held in regional entertainment writer’s memory

Most of performers were interviewed by journalist

Journalist stranded in Turkey en route to cover football for regional publisher

Reporter files from airport where he is stuck

Chief executive urges journalists to spend time in office ‘where feasible’

Company confirms commitment to hybrid working

Jobs created as city weekly launches with ex-daily editor’s help

Newspaper “will not compete” with established regional title

Journalist’s killer died in prison after contracting coronavirus

Official report released after death in custody

Weekly’s home of 137 years to become council’s headquarters

Office closed as publisher shifts to home working

Weekly runs front page ‘comic strip’ as Marvel prepares to film on patch

Newspaper celebrates current rend for filming in area

Journalists unite to help those struggling with fuel price increases

Publisher launches new campaign on issue

Editor spikes MP’s column after she refuses to write about Partygate

News chief had requested piece on Downing Street parties

Publisher may launch against former staff after buying local paper

Editor to leave title after 21 years following deal

Daily stands by story – but removes it from website after IPSO complaint

Company went to watchdog over piece

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.