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April 2023 News

Journalists force Sunak U-turn after PM refuses to speak to some reporters

Prime Minister’s behaviour branded “utterly embarrassing”

Retired editor demands industry action after daily’s archives ‘dumped in skip’

Former news chief echoes historians’ warning

Journalist urges readers to ‘shape my news list’ as new city title launches

Senior digital journalist vows to “stand up” for patch

MD takes top job at world-famous wedding venue after leaving publisher

Business boss “honoured” to take up chairmanship

Reader-funded city news site breaks even in under two years

Independent title turns a profit

Daily’s prison exposé sparks plea for government intervention

Whistleblower and prisoners’ families share experiences

Hyperlocals hope for more government support after Downing Street bash

Editors discuss industry’s future with minister

Historians warn of ‘information vacuum’ amid loss of regional press archives

Experts calls for ‘strategic approach’ to preserving journalists’ stories

Press watchdog urged to develop industry standards on use of AI in journalism

Call to mitigate “risks” posed by robot reporting

Former Archant titles to adopt new owner’s metered paywall model

Readers continue to get up to 40 articles a month for free

Daily’s special marks 30 years since legendary football manager’s departure

Newspaper produces 48-page edition

Regional title signs award-winning nature writer

Author to pen regular column

Publisher launches push for email newsletter sponsors

Features “proving increasingly popular”

Second paedophile wins lifelong anonymity after suicide threat

Ruling follows precedent set in earlier case

Journalist who became director of 16 media companies dies aged 91

Daughter also went on to become a regional editor

Publisher’s expansion begins as new website goes live

New title to be edited by former national journalist

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.