AddThis SmartLayers

July 2023 News

Editor goes head-to-head against old employer with new launch

Three journalists join forces for city venture

Axed football reporter shares fears for future local coverage

Redundant journalist says move a “great shame”

Editor ‘hero-worshipped’ by Nicola Sturgeon dies aged 69

Former First Minister pays tribute to journalist uncle

Community news title marks golden anniversary with new book

History and archive stories feature in publication

Weekly papers at cuts-hit publisher to be produced using AI

Group also seeking further acquisitions despite redundancies

Reporter wins High Court fight to name lawyer protected for nine years

Journalist said identity was hidden behind “alphabet soup”

Publishers rubbish local journalism map’s ‘news deserts’ claim

Editorial chiefs offer to help with project

Newsdesk chief leaves publisher after helping to launch US expansion

Journalist moves to PR role

Daily’s former home set for demolition despite campaign

Bus company intends to clear site

Daily wins fight to reveal £18bn secret – but faces further battle over issue

Local democracy reporter appeals to ICO

Regional title deemed at fault after reader named child crime suspect

Title claimed it was not responsible for Facebook post

Regional editors to benefit as leadership course wins fresh Google backing

Funding announced for 15 scholarships

Editorial boss quits regional publisher after 44 years in industry

News chief has run four daily newspapers

Daily says sorry for ceasing regular coverage of football club

Lack of sports results in paper also addressed

Daily shares determination to reopen closed leisure centres

Newspaper campaigned to save facilities

Daily justified in calling driver ‘drunk’ despite prosecution for different offence

Watchdog finds evidence backed up headline claim

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.