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Can journalism training be unified?

Posted by Dominic Ponsford on 19 July 2007 at 13:49
Tags: Journalism

Both prospective journalists and employers must find the sea of acronyms in the world of journalism training baffling. Is it better to train with the NCTJ, the BJTC or the PTC. Or are journalists better off taking a journalism degree, an MA or one of the plethora of other assorted diplomas out there – including NVQs and Btecs.

An end to the confusion could raise standards and stop journalists without the basic skills needed for the job being let loose with a notepad and tape recorder.

That’s why talks reported in Press Gazette this week between the NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists), the BJTC (Broadcast Journalism Training Council) and the PTC (Periodicals Training Council) are potentially so important.

Strict minimum standards for the training to be undergone be all journalists could help minimise the sort of gaffs mistakes which bring the whole profession into disrepute. Like the chronologically-challenged cutting and pasting which has been going at the BBC and the haphazard note-taking of Andrew Gilligan which came to light in the Hutton Inquiry.

But what are the minimum standards now required of a journalist in the multimedia world?

Speaking personally, 100 words shorthand, a good knowledge of media law, keyboard skills and news writing are the basic skills I’d look for in a journalist wishing to work at Press Gazette. Any audio of video journalism skills would be a great bonus.
But what do you think? And is the creating of a single training accreditation body going to be practically possible?

Related:

• Want to be a journalist? Download Press Gazette’s free guide to journalism training
• Access to journalism for all: Ten tips for a school-leaver
• Why journalism has become ‘most exclusive middle-class profession’
• Sussex police wrongful murder convictions investigation is in need of a journalist

Tags: Journalism

Comments

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1. Randolph Hirst |  19 July 2007 at 4.41pm

   Do you mean ‘gaffs’ like “Strict minimum standards for the training to be undergone be all journalists”?

2. comradegonzo |  1 August 2007 at 12.49am

   Having recently finished an NCTJ course in newspaper journalism, I wasn’t overly-impressed. Whilst the course was fast-track, it mostly consisted of going over past exams papers - something which I could have done in my own time and saved myself the £1000+ fee. Shorthand was the only real skill that was passed on. Thirteen people failed the news writing exam despite good portfolio grades (surely some kind of scandal?) Resits cost £30 a piece and the NCTJ refuse to let you see where you lost marks unless you furnish them with further cash for the privilege. There needs to be a thorough investigation into whether the NCTJ is offering value for money to journalism students.

3. Eleanor McGillie |  6 August 2007 at 6.14pm

   I sympathise with comradegonzo - the NCTJ does need to be looked at. I always advise want-to-be journalists - to take themselves to Belfast Institute of Further Higher and Education to do the NVQ 4 in Newspaper Journalism. You can do this aged 18 (or you used to be able to). It’s very practical - no nonsense - you are actually taught by ex reporters and editors. Plus - when you pass - you pass - you do not have to sit as a trainee while companies bleed you dry until you become a senior. When you pass - after nine months - you are a junior reporter. NCTJ needs a serious revamp - and please - can we have actual reporters teaching and marking exams please?????

4. Nick Hart |  9 August 2007 at 4.15pm

   Speaking as a sub, can we include an understanding of basic grammar, punctuation and syntax and the requirements of style, plus a little humility and awareness of their shortcomings, on the syllabus for aspiring journalists?

5. theresa |  18 August 2007 at 4.16am

   For us senior old hacks in the industry what about a CPD programme? I would welcome a set number of hours per year sharpening my skills and learning recent cases and the law etc. So a course for seasoned journalists and practising editors, not just hungry young wannabes, would be welcome. And it would help to develop a professional standard / best practice / code of ethics for our industry.
   Reporting and publishing have changed over 20 years and it would be a valuable tool if a governing body could be decided?

6. Ger |  20 August 2007 at 3.30pm

   The NUJ used to operate a closed-shop which effectively barred anyone who was not serious about journalism. When I was a precocious schoolgirl trying to sell stories to the nationals, it was a frustrating barrier - though I got a few pieces published even then. Nowadays someone who goes drinking with the editor has the edge over someone who has got excellent shorthand and and 20 years’ experience in hard news. I also think PR should not be counted as journalism - it is anti-journalism.

7. Boycott the NCTJ? If only&hellip |  21 September 2007 at 8.58am

   [...] (Sep 21 07): The Press Gazette editor’s blog contains some interesting comments about the NCTJ: “Having recently finished an NCTJ course in newspaper journalism, I wasn’t [...]

8. Paul Bradshaw |  21 September 2007 at 8.59am

   From an educator’s point of view, a number of journalism departments are becoming increasingly frustrated with the NCTJ and looking elsewhere. My post at http://onlinejournalismblog.wordpress.com/2007/09/12/the-nctj-marketing-not-education/ has more detail.

9. Boycott the NCTJ? If only&hellip |  1 November 2007 at 6.23pm

   [...] (Sep 21 07): The Press Gazette editor’s blog contains some interesting comments about the NCTJ: “Having recently finished an NCTJ course in newspaper journalism, I wasn’t [...]

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