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September 2022 News

Editor leaves regional press for PR after 15 years in industry

News chief had held senior roles with publisher

Daily’s new editor pledges to ‘maintain trust’ in vow to readers

News chief sets out stall in editorial

Journalist to realise London Marathon dream denied by pandemic

Coronavirus prompted event’s cancellation

Pass rate for seniors exam falls for second year in a row

List of those who passed NQJ in last year published

Facebook-funded reporters named among top new senior journalists

Best performers honoured for NQJ exam work

Regional journalists fight for national prizes as awards reveal first shortlist

More than 20 honours up for grabs

Local journalists grill Truss in series of “car crash” radio interviews

Regional journalists win widespread praise as PM breaks silence

Daily wins fight to name 16-year-old killers who stabbed man to death

Judges hopes move will deter others from knife crime

Editor unveiled as publisher reveals fresh details about new brand

Regional news chief leaves ‘dream job’

Jobs put at risk as publisher axes print plant

Daily will still be printed in region it serves

Journalists share style tips as trainer sparks newsroom dress code debate

Importance of “wellies” to reporters highlighted

Daily reporter up for prize as region’s football awards shortlist revealed

Journalist is only regional press nominee

Jobs created as publisher launches dedicated newsletter team

Thirteen new titles sent out for first time

Ex-editor dies suddenly after triple heart attack on French bus

News chief served publisher for 48 years

Ex-journalist tells court of interview with murder suspect

Man denies killing lover and son

Weekly opens office to readers after celebrating 250 years in business

Pensioner who used to live in building among attendees

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.