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December 2022 News

Journalist leaves weekly after 26 years to help Ukrainian refugees

Husband and brother volunteer at charity

City news site rapped over publication of misleading video

Footage had been “sped up” by third party

Publisher named among top 50 firms promoting social mobility

Company “delighted” with inclusion

Press watchdog issues fresh guidance on publishing print corrections

Document designed to help editors in need

Senior political journalist quits big publisher to edit local weeklies

Editor says independent group “committed to local journalism”

Five-year ban for would-be journalist who forged NCTJ certificate

Candidate used fraudulent document to support ‘dream job’ application

Daily journalist reveals 12-year eating disorder battle in bid to help others

Reporter issues plea before Christmas

Weekly thanks readers after giving out hundreds of Christmas toy bags

Hundreds of presents returned within days of appeal

Historic newspaper office to go under hammer for six-figure sum

Building has been empty for eight years

NCTJ to hold annual awards at home of English rugby union

Shortlist revealed ahead of ceremony

Editor slams lack of right of reply over regional daily racism claims

Journalist and cricketer criticised newspaper before MPs

Editor to launch new title after returning to publisher

Business journalist recruited for expansion

Court mum goes to IPSO over story despite news site keeping her identity secret

Mother was sentenced over baby’s injuries

Former editor writes dystopian novel set in places where he lived and worked

Journalist publishes “highly readable thriller”

Ofcom gives green light to BBC expansion despite regional press hostility

Plan “would affect less than 1pc” of commercial publishers’ revenues

More than 130 in contention as Regional Press Awards shortlist is published

Ceremony to take place in London in March

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.