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December 2022 News

People more interested in local than in international news, study finds

Survey respondents also less interested in crime and health

BBC boss defends plans to upgrade local online news offering

Director shares desire to make more use of LDRs

Independent publisher launches dedicated online content archive

Two decades’ worth of stories available to read

Former editor celebrates career by holidaying in 20 towns he served

Journalist undertakes mini-break challenge

Weekly celebrates 250 years in business with belated party

Reception was postponed due to Queen’s death

100 places up for grabs in mentoring scheme for women journalists

Scheme has mentored 650 women over years

Former editor warns of ‘news deserts’ as new journalism foundation launched

Ex-editorial chief takes top government job in bid to save public interest news

‘Target schools to recruit working class journalists’, says editorial boss

News chief to make issue a “priority”

Ofcom issues warning to BBC over local news changes

Watchdog also addresses regional press bosses’ concerns

Journalist to add newsdesk responsibilities with chief reporter promotion

New focus on “editing and supporting the rest of the team”

Daily editor demands greater transparency from ‘toxic’ police force

News chief to meet chief constable

Daily revives award-winning partnership for months-long investigation

Series to be run throughout this week

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.