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October 2022 News

BBC to create more than 130 local news jobs – but more roles to be axed

Changes to local coverage across England confirmed

Dozens of jobs at risk in BBC cuts to local coverage, report claims

Plan comes after journalists praised for Truss grilling

Troll who abused journalist quits council job after news site’s two-year probe

Senior manager exposed as being behind Twitter account

Culture Secretary vows to ensure journalism ‘thrives in the digital age’

Minister says she will champion industry “in every way I can”

Sports editor who became ‘tireless champion’ for stroke survivors dies aged 58

Journalist also ran specialist interest title

Daily’s two-year fight for new bridge wins Westminster boost

Minister open to plea after debate

Memorial gathering to be held in honour of regional press ‘legend’

Friends and colleagues of former editor to gather next month

Publishers ‘shying away’ from long-form journalism, former daily editor warns

Former news chief writes for old colleague’s independent title

Journalists win right to name murder accused after court changes his age

Defendant found to be five years older than previously thought

Government halts daily’s bid to get justice for dead six-year-old

Editor says courts have “fallen short” for victim’s family

Miner and soldier who became regional press cartoonist dies aged 96

Writer lived “long and engaged life”

Society of Editors reveals 2023 conference date

Registrations of interest welcomed

Weekly’s late editor credited as pioneering black journalist gets blue plaque

Former news chief was instrumental in campaign

Councillors boycott meeting over editor’s ‘utter b*stards’ social media post

Journalist previously refused to reveal sources to Tories

Journalist pleased to join ‘permanently-staffed’ newsroom after leaving daily

Fourth local democracy reporter moves between city titles

Sister dailies unite to demand change to electoral system

Publisher urges “Rishi the Reformer” to make changes

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.