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January 2024 News

Editors vow to name and shame parties over fake newspapers

Society to call out misleading election campaign material

New titles launched by former Reach executives go live

Pop-up newspapers planned for region

Weekly’s former chief photographer dies aged 82

Lensman had suffered from severe heart problems

‘UK’s oldest working journalist’ celebrates 70 years covering the news

Weekly reporter, 88, has worked for more than 40 titles globally

Daily journalists decamp 100 miles north as part of major investigation

Title takes in depth look at population decline

Regional business awards scrapped as part of Reach cutbacks

All but two regional and national events cancelled

Editor names launch date for region’s new quality title

‘All systems go’ for online-only venture says news chief

Reporter ends homeless man’s three-hour police rooftop stand-off

Demand had been made for journalist to listen to story

Investigative journalism website launches university partnership

Students will produce journalistic project instead of dissertation

Journalist lands top national role after leaving regional publisher in cutbacks

Journalist hired to expand title’s presence across UK

Regional publisher to give £6m of free advertising to children’s charity

Partnership will mark charity’s 140th anniversary

Reporter exposes off-patch Facebook groups protesting over speed limits

Councillor running campaign against measures from hundreds of miles away

Newspaper poses tough questions in wake of triple killings

‘Why was killer allowed to roam streets?’ says editor

Journalist who became regional TV news pioneer dies aged 96

Tributes paid to “brave” news editor

Former editorial director aims to harness AI as ‘force for good’

Newsman turned consultant wants to help publishers use AI ‘ethically’

Welsh, Scots and Northern Irish lead way as Regional Press Awards shortlist revealed

The full list of contenders for this year’s top regional media awards

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.