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March 2025 News

Chief exec Mullen to leave Reach for new role with Jockey Club

Publishing chief to leave after six years

Newspaper saved from closure after 143 years is back in print

Title originally ceased publication in December

Reporter leaves regional daily for BBC role

Journalist moves on after just under two years

BBC drops plans for adverts on podcasts after industry pressure

Local press leaders welcome move

Daily to offer fresh paid internship as student awards renewed

Newspaper launched scheme last year

MEN surges ahead in traffic rankings as audience grows by a third

All the online traffic figures for last month

Editorial boss set for fresh running double after debut marathon

Journalist to run for cancer charity

Awards shortlist is revealed with 120 finalists in contention

Full list of contenders for May event

King praises ‘unique’ regional media as journalists gather at Palace

Monarch hosts reception to celebrate the work of the industry

Sub-editor leaves publisher for ‘dream’ football writing job

Journalist will cover club he supports

Speaker bemoans demise of regional lobby as he addresses editors

‘Who will counter rise of fake news’ says Hoyle

Report calls for new deals with BBC, big tech and councils to save local news

Cash should go to smaller news providers, says foundation

‘Big bold journalism’ will counter misinformation, editors told

Annual conference gets under way in London

Weekly told to republish correction after “pedantic” ex-MP’s complaint

Clarification had insufficient prominence, watchdog rules

Local publisher agrees deal to buy Irish radio station

Second channel added to portfolio

Weekly editor calls time on career after 40 years

Move comes six months after newspaper changed ownership

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.