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March 2023 News

Journalists target election results night as fresh strike announced

Union’s members at BBC to walk out over local news cuts

Comedian uses regional daily in bid to renew acquaintance with Liz Truss

Joe Lycett offers ex-PM TV show slot in full page ad

Entrepreneur hires local journalism stalwarts to launch new print title

Founder says print “more impactive than online”

Editor sparks Tory U-turn over local press mimicry

Local Conservative vows to raise issue with party’s HQ

Alexa blamed as talking newspaper shuts after 47 years

Chairman says more blind people accessing news via smart speakers

Regional daily beats nationals to cricket journalism awards double

“Engaging writing and the range of topics” praised

Daily’s special celebrates club’s first Wembley cup final appearance

Newspaper produces 40-page edition

Weekly thanks readers for support with tote bag giveaway

Newspaper opens doors for “meet the editors” session

Regional editor attacked by senior Tories for following up story tip

Criticism “liked” by party’s official Twitter profile

Veteran journalist quits daily for senior role with independent rival

Move comes after almost three decades with publisher

Editors hail scrapping of law as boost for press freedom

Move described as “long overdue”

Daily issues front page plea to help war veteran celebrate 105th birthday

Readers urged to send cards

Award-winning journalist leaves weekly for new hometown job

Reporter was named publisher’s top trainee

Twentysomething regional journalists urged to enter national awards

Last-minute call for entries

Daily wins court fight to name teen killer in bid to stop knife crime

Judge sides with newspaper’s court reporters

Editors step up to fill void as publisher’s MD departs

New structure announced by company

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.