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April 2024 News

Newspaper accused of ‘fat shaming’ after it exposed councillors’ free meals

Editor describes allegations as ‘absurd’

‘We must tackle cancel culture,’ Sunak tells SoE conference

Live coverage of the year’s biggest media gathering

Regional journalist to defend crown at national business writing awards

Six make shortlist for prize

Ex-Reach editor Reeves to head up project for rival publisher

Journalist to lead expansion in affiliate content

Publisher bans reporters from writing up press releases

All PR material to be uploaded direct to websites

Former editor who broke news of Good Friday Agreement dies aged 67

BBC newsman started out in local newspapers

Journalists complete bike challenge in publisher’s charity tie-up

Event part of year-long partnership

Weekly’s investigation highlights ‘devastating impact’ of TB in cattle

Reporter’s probe spawns eye-catching front page

Deputy editor leaves city title after seven years for charity role

Replacement sought by publication

NCTJ-qualified journalists ‘three times more likely to find a job’

Research looks into destinations of students who completed courses

Former daily editor’s PR consultancy shortlisted for two awards

Agency specialises in communicating region’s innovation

Journalists attend workshop on reporting of domestic abuse

Editor organises session by women’s aid charity

Tory local election candidates publish fake newspapers – in Labour colours

Conservative campaign appears to ditch its party’s own branding

Journalist urges readers to “cherish” local cricket coverage

Deputy editor laments the ‘near death’ of local print journalism

Senior journalist duo join comms consultancy

Industry experts added to team

Entries open for awards highlighting reporting of refugee issues

Event honours work of journalists in ‘building empathy and understanding’

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.