Page

1 Contents

2 Achievements and values

3 Chairman’s report

4 Chief executive’s review

5 - 6 Qualifications development

7 - 8 NCE results 2006-2007

9 - 10 Success stories

11 - 12 Accreditation

13 Communication

14 Events and distance learning 15 Journalism Diversity Fund

16 Business and finance

17 The year ahead

18 Who’s who

Contents 1 Key facts & figures for 2006-2007

1,611 students attended NCTJ accredited courses at 41 approved centres and sat the preliminary certificate in journalism examinations

3,131 shorthand examinations were sat by candidates at speeds from 60wpm - 120wpm

699 candidates sat preliminary certificate in journalism examinations on the national dates

538 reporters and 18 press photographers and photo-journalists sat the National Certificate Examinations

384 reporters and 25 photographers were registered

Donations in the second year of the Journalism Diversity Fund totalled £110,000

22 short courses were run during the year and there were 10 in-house training courses

The NCTJ’s distinctive characteristics – our values – are:

• accessible and responsive to customers NCTJ values • strong sustainable growth and development • effective leadership, management and governance • best use of resources • high profile, respected and influential • upholding high and relevant standards Achievements and values 2 Those in the newspaper industry during the first Some local evening papers have abandoned the effort dotcom boom, at the turn of the century, will remember to print news from the morning later on in the how the internet threatened to change everything. Most afternoon, instead using the web to fulfil promises of of us had already developed websites: once we up-to-date news coverage. realised we had to do more than merely dump the contents of the paper on the site each day, we began Is it all good? No. It would be surprising if website auditioning staff to anchor lunch time news bulletins footage matched the standards of professional and wondered whether reporters could carry video television footage. The quality of some of the video recorders with their notebooks. appearing on newspaper sites up and down the country is poor. There are signs that reporters are Then the dotcom bubble burst and we abandoned being stretched beyond their capabilities. When they sexist plans to turn pretty reporters into news are expected both to write and film a news report and presenters. Most newspaper companies stopped to provide commentary on it, something has to give. spending money on digital projects and many managers looked relieved and said they had always In the short term, this is probably how it has to be. known the internet would be a passing fad. Newspaper companies that sit back and refuse to take part in the internet will find themselves left behind. If, Seven years later we know better. The internet did not as a consequence, some of the video on offer seems Unless we maintain high standards, newspapers will die. Everyone now sees that it offers something a to be the kind of footage that “You’ve Been Framed” lose the very qualities that currently give their “brand” printed newspaper does not. would reject out of hand, so be it. Some things papers such value on the internet. People come to them are trying now may not last and in a year’s time we because they can believe what they publish. If that Everyone sees too that – and here the choice of word may look back at the wilder initiatives and smile at the trust evaporates, they will be no better off than every depends on the morale of the observer – it presents a thought that they ever seemed a good idea. other site fighting to gain an audience. threat, a challenge or an opportunity to the newspaper industry. The task is to find a way to grab some of the But we can’t use economic necessity for change as an Naturally this poses a challenge for the NCTJ. With old action, which is why the last year has seen a frantic excuse for bad journalism for long. Media companies distinctions between print and broadcast breaking scramble to revolutionise the way we work. have professional reputations to maintain, whether they down fast and internet websites demanding a mix of are regulated by statutory authorities – in the case of skills, we are working hard to see that trainees are As a result, everything we dreamed of in the last radio and television – or by an industry body. There are properly equipped for the new world. But for the long century is coming to pass. Everyone is eager to use three dangers in what is going on. The first is that term good of the industry, we must never lose sight of the newspaper “brand” to establish an online presence. some of what we are doing looks very amateurish. The the basic tenets of journalism, of the importance of Sites update news around the clock. Reporters travel second is that the rush to import video and traditional values such as accuracy and of the reality with camcorders. Newspapers produce broadband commentary threatens to break laws of libel and that the law applies to new media just as it does to television programmes. We are encouraging readers to contempt. The third is that the demands of the print. join in as never before. multi-media approach take reporters away from some of those traditional “watchdog” roles that have made Kim Fletcher, Chairman journalism such a benefit to a democratic society. Chairman’s report 3 Radical reform and renewal have transformed the The newspaper industry’s desire for a coherent So there’s no dilution of the standards and skills we NCTJ in recent years helping us to meet the needs of strategy for journalism training and qualifications has insist on in writing and reporting the news backed up by today’s journalists and allowing us to keep pace with resulted in agreement to merge training routes and sound knowledge of law, government and shorthand. changes in the media. This speed of change is set to produce a single ‘gold standard’ qualification. One of continue and so, while we consolidate and build on our the many benefits of the digital revolution in the Our new accreditation standard was introduced this previous achievements, we constantly have to predict newsroom has been the industry’s decision to unite year and sets out clearly the principles, aims and and respond to challenges to break new ground. and work together with the NCTJ to tackle the performance indicators that we expect course providers changing skills agenda. to demonstrate if they want the industry’s kite-mark. Both existing and new centres will be working in Achieving recognition from the Qualifications and partnership with us to meet the standard in the year Curriculum Authority was a milestone two years ago ahead. and has been followed by accreditation of our preliminary qualifications for reporters and sub-editors One of the most important initiatives the NCTJ has onto the National Qualifications Framework . This facilitated in recent years has been the establishment of involved the combined efforts of all our leading the industry’s Journalism Diversity Fund. It is examiners, advisors and staff and gave our awards the heartening to see this going from strength-to-strength. overdue external recognition they deserve. Firm foundations have been laid, many more bursaries have been awarded this year and the future looks Modernising and updating our qualifications has promising for all those involved in the fund. continued with further adjustments to the NCE for reporters and extensive consultation on the future In 2003, the NCTJ set out its ambitious five-year rolling shape of our magazine journalism, photography and plan to develop values of the organisation that focused sports journalism examinations. This work is set to on customers, growth, leadership, resources, profile continue as we integrate our new online and video and standards. In 2008 we will be consulting widely journalism syllabus and assessments into our with all our stakeholders as we set our strategy and qualifications for newspaper reporters, magazine goals for the next five years. journalists and press photographers. I look forward to hearing your views and working with In all this change and growth, we have not lost sight of you in the next exciting stage of our development. what we’re famous for and will not compromise on all the traditional fundamentals of good journalism. Joanne Butcher, Chief Executive Chief executive’s review 4 Convergence The new Certificate in Online Journalism was Sports Reporting Changes to NCTJ qualifications in 2007 have been driven welcomed by the industry and many educators and The Sports Reporting qualification in development by converging journalism skills and developments in the trainers. It includes two assessments: an online writing takes the principles of general news reporting covered newsroom with the explosion of web-based news and and editing examination consisting of three writing and in the News Writing syllabus and applies them to the most newspapers reporting stories as they happen on editing exercises; and coursework consisting of a short full range of sports journalism. It ensures candidates their websites. news video created entirely by the candidate. can produce the different types of story required at each point in the sports news cycle; from preview After wide consultation, the industry gave a clear signal The certificate was launched as an optional additional through live report to inquest. that additional training and qualifications in online qualification for reporters and ten accredited courses reporting, editing and video journalism were a priority for have chosen to offer students this option during the It will equip candidates with sufficient understanding of students, trainees and experienced journalists. So a new 2007-8 academic year. It will become an integral part sports politics and sports public affairs to be able to on-line journalism syllabus and qualification was of the NCTJ’s core syllabus from September 2008. report on a wide range of issues relating to sport. It developed and changes have also been made to existing also covers the other main situations in which sports programmes to make them more relevant to the multi- writers operate, including attending press conferences media newsroom. Magazine journalism and conducting interviews. Sports features are also Seven courses in magazine journalism are accredited covered. by the NCTJ and the original syllabus had not been Online journalism revised since it was introduced in 2000. This was Sports Reporting focuses on three main sports – The Online Journalism preliminary certificate builds on the addressed last year with a comprehensive review of football, cricket and rugby - but also introduces news writing and sub-editing programmes of study and the structure and content of the magazine syllabus. candidates to the coverage of a range of other sports. relates writing and editing specifically to the online Knowledge of sports and sporting organisations is also medium. It avoids duplicating general elements covered in A steering group of senior figures from magazine tested as well as introducing basic sub-editing. the news-writing syllabus such as interviewing and publishing groups, tutors and trainers developed a new newsgathering. syllabus. It includes the core essential skills required This new preliminary certificate will be launched in of newspaper reporters – news writing and reporting, 2008 and there are plans for a new National Certificate The syllabus is light on the technical – there is no media law, government and shorthand – as well as Examination for sports journalists. web-design element, for example - but includes the additional skills of more importance to magazines – development of sufficient technical ability to create and features, online journalism and sub-editing. A new present stories on a newspaper website. It also covers the optional unit, the Business of Magazines, can be ability to compile and publish online video and audio studied instead of public affairs. The new syllabus will reports. be tested from September 2007 and replaces the existing syllabus from September 2008.

Qualifications development 5 Merging the NVQ and NCE National Qualifications Framework National Training Awards Agreement has been reached with The Newspaper On the 1 st June 2007 the preliminary Certificate in The huge success of the industry’s logbook prompted Society to merge its role in journalism training and Journalism for Newspaper Reporters and the the NCTJ to enter the National Training Awards, the qualifications with the NCTJ. Merging the two most preliminary Certificate in Journalism for Sub-editors UK’s premier award for training and development. As widely-recognised newspaper journalism training was recognised on the National Database of a tried and tested method of training, the logbook has systems will produce a single “gold standard” Accredited Qualifications. Approval for NCTJ awards helped to develop the skills of more than 1,000 trainee qualification for all journalists. from the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority was journalists. the culmination of a strategy to confirm the NCTJ is The Newspaper Society will transfer its standards- delivering fair, consistent, transparent qualifications At a regional ceremony at the Cambridge Guildhall, setting responsibilities for journalism training and that are quality assured and meet the regulatory the NCTJ received a regional training award and the qualifications to the NCTJ. All companies previously body’s stringent criteria and regulations. logbook was described as an exceptional example of using the NVQ will be taking part in the NCTJ’s innovative and creative design of the training and awarding body structure to work together on training Work is in progress to submit further qualifications for assessment of vocational skills within the newspaper and qualifications. Meanwhile, all trainees will be accreditation to the framework. industry. The judges said the logbook showed training registered with the NCTJ and will complete a logbook being used to support development at both a personal and sit the NCE. Candidates already working towards and organisational level. They noted the significant an NVQ may continue or transfer to the NCE. impact on the culture of the industry and key individuals within it.

Sub-editing A new NCE for sub-editors was introduced in 2006. The three-part assessment was piloted in the summer and passed by the first candidate, Neil Wilcock of the Halifax Courier. The qualification consist of a demanding two-hour subbing exam, newspaper practice for sub-editors and a sub-editor’s logbook. Joanne Butcher, Kathy Baldry and Laura Garbas with Colin Jackson, British athlete and MC at the NTA regional event Qualifications development 6 NCE for reporters Karen Faughey, Hartlepool Mail Benedict Moore-Bridger, Watford Observer Emilene White, Tameside Advertiser Joseph Foley, Tameside Reporter James Morton, Daily Echo, Bournemouth Paul Whittaker, Kidderminster Shuttle and Times Faiza Afzaal, Clitheroe Advertiser & Times Paul Fielding, Blackpool Gazette Claire Munro, Dunfermline Press Richard Woolley, Matlock Mercury Alice Ainsworth, Herts & Essex Newspapers Kelly Frank, Chichester Observer Hannah Wood, Evening Herald, Plymouth Gavin Aitchison, The Press, York Emma Newlands, Cumbernauld New Kristina Wood, Wigan Evening Post Clare Alexander, Independent Andrew Gayler, Bedfordshire Newspapers Ltd Katie Norman, Rebecca Wright, Telegraph & Argus Tom Arnold, Express & Echo, Exeter David Giles, Evening Echo Newspapers, Basildon Jamie Arrowsmith, Coventry Observer Sarah Goldthorpe, Banbury Guardian William Oliphant, Newmarket Journal Nicholas Yates, Isle of Man Newspapers Juliette Astrup, Henley Standard James Gosling, Keighley News Hannah Gray, The Comet Lorraine Parker, Isle of Wight County Press Sofia Zagzoule, The News, Portsmouth Steven Bailey, Worthing Herald Stuart Greer, Advertiser Lucy Parkinson, Bristol Evening Post Ellen Banks, The Sentinel Mary Griffin, Dorset Echo Carla Payne, Newbury Weekly News Elizabeth Barrett, Kent & Sussex Courier Richard Gurner, Barry & District News Mark Pearson, Peterborough Evening Telegraph Caroline Beamish, Westmorland Gazette Ben Pike, Bridgwater Mercury NCE for photographers and Peter Bennett, Gazette & Herald Express George Hamilton, Reading Evening Post Stuart Pike, North East Advertiser photo-journalists Thomas Bennett, Matthew Harris, Hucknall & Bulwell Dispatch Leanne Porritt, West Sussex County Times Deanne Blaylock, Brentwood Gazette Jennifer Harvey, Middleton & North Manchester Guardian Ian Proctor, Hoddesdon & Broxbourne Mercury Lindsay Colbourne, Ripley & Heanor News Mark Bowen, Hereford Times Clare Hawkin, Chichester Observer Allison Pyrah, Stroud News & Journal Christopher Brammer, South Yorkshire Times Philip Hennessey, Northwich Guardian Lauren Pyrah, Darlington & Stockton Times Katie Howell, The Argus, Brighton James Bright, Goole, Howden & Thorne Courier Andrew Hewitt, Lancashire Telegraph Carl Brown, Harlow Herald Claire Hill, Lancashire Evening Post Nicholas Randall, Express & Echo, Exeter Jacqueline Hughes , Telegraph & Argus Claire Brown, Worksop Guardian Thomas Hodson, Bristol Evening Post Christopher Robinson, Shields Gazette Glenn Bryant, Evening Herald Hamish Hutchinson, Alloa Advertiser Julian Robinson, Petersfield Herald Daniel Matthams, Nottingham Evening Post Amy Burns, Worksop Guardian Martin Robinson, Northants Evening Telegraph Louise Morris , Essex Chronicle Caroline Innes, Independent Stuart Robinson, Yorkshire Evening Post Simon Carr, Western Telegraph Joanne Rostron, North East Manchester Advertiser Matthew Page, The Sentinel Anthony Carroll, Bury Free Press Deborah Johnson, The Northern Echo Kerry Ruse, Yvette Caster, Maidenhead Advertiser Georgia Russell, Isle of Wight County Press Ross Clark, Independent Ruth Keeling, Oxford Mail Duncan Sandes, Shawn Ryan, Nottingham Evening Post Helen Clifton, Oldham Advertiser Victoria Kellaway, Lyndsay Scanlan, Swindon Evening Advertiser James Chapelard, North West Evening Mail Emma King, Mansfield Chad Mieka Schmidt, Hartlepool Mail Sarah Jane Washbourn, Natalie Chapples Dos Santos, North West Evening Mail David Knight, Barnsley Chronicle Martyn Smith, Stourbridge News Bernard Chyzy, J W Crabtree & Son Samuel Southgate, The Press, York Jill Clark, Rotherham Advertiser Helen Lambourne, Mansfield Chad Nicholas Spoors, Northampton Chronicle & Echo Robert Collins, Leamington Spa Courier Heather Large , Kidderminster Shuttle and Times Gemma Sproston, Northwich Guardian Philip Corrigan, The Sentinel William Lee, North London Newspapers Mark Stanford, Halesowen News Alastair Craig, Morpeth Herald Katherine Legge, Evening Echo Newspapers, Baslidon Claire Still, Ilford Recorder Stephen Creswell, Welwyn & Hatfield Times Deborah Lewis, Rossendale Free Press Emma Stone, Leamington Spa Courier Andrew Crick, INS News Group Ltd Susan Lochrie, Greenock Telegraph Michelle Curran, Newmarket Journal Emma Lynch, The Citizen, Gloucester Christopher Taylor, Worthing Herald Julie Curtis, Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph Laura Lynott, Salford Advertiser Julie Ann Taylor, Western Telegraph Richard Lyons, Sutton Guardian Mark Taylor, Barking & Dagenham Post Paul Dent-Jones, Romford Recorder Stephen Tyler, Spalding Guardian Joanne Done, Independent Anna Mansell, The Joanne Tynan, Cambridge Evening News Joanne Douglas, Tameside Reporter Gina Marden, Evening Echo Newspapers, Basildon Eve Dugdale, Tameside Advertiser Colleen Marples, Belper News Theodore Usherwood, Nottingham Evening Post Paul Duncan, Westmorland Gazette Stephen Mather, St Helens Star Sarah Dunn, Doncaster Free Press Emma Mayoh, Preston Citizen Elizabeth Walker, Hartlepool Mail Alice Dyer, Daventry Express Louise Meeson, Herts & Essex Newspapers Philippa Walker, Herald Express Anthony McLean, News Guardian Angela Walsh, Leamington Spa Courier Dawn Eckersley, Oldham Gary Mitchell, Leicester Mercury David Walsh, Derby Evening Telegraph Lindsey Eudo-Mitchell, Aldershot News Aimi Moores, Leek Post & Times Joanna Wardill, Pontefract & Castleford Express NCE Results, Autumn 2006 7 NCE for reporters Oliver Harry, Petersfield Post Eric Randolph, Daily Echo, Bournemouth NCE for photographers and Farhana Haque, Batley News Benjamin Raza, Bedfordshire Times & Citizen photo-journalists Bridget Aherne, Tameside Reporter Mark Hemmings, East Herts & Broxbourne Herald Jennifer Rivett, Basingstoke Gazette David Ainsworth, Brentwood Gazette Christopher Hinton, Harrogate Advertiser Brendan Roone, Dunfermline Press Alex Hannam, Leicester Mercury Rachel Atkinson, Lancaster Guardian Steven Hughes, Reading Evening Post Benjamin Hussain, Hereford Times Emma Hutchings, Hendon Times Group Christina Savvas, The Sentinel Jessica Bauldry, Mid Sussex Times Aleisha Scott, Madhuri Karia, Lancashire Telegraph Sam Beattie, Middlesbrough Evening Gazette Matthew Jackson, Swindon Advertiser Laura Sharpe, Accrington Observer Helen Bell, Skegness Standard & Citizen David Johnson, The Sentinel Thomas Sharpe, Rotherham Advertiser Anna Lythgoe, Gareth Bethell, Swindon Advertiser Oliver Jelley, Northants Evening Telegraph Victoria Sheard, Dewsbury Reporter Thomas Bevan, Thomas Shipp, Series Stuart Walker, Cumbrian Newspapers Rebecca Bird, Tameside Reporter Daniel King, The Northern Echo Eleanor Simmonds, Oxford Mail Adam Blakeman, Cheadle Post & Times Ryan Kisiel, South London Press Andrew Simpson, Northwich Guardian Jack Blanchard, Boston Standard Ben Knowles, Banbury Guardian Gordon Simpson, Wiltshire Gazette & Herald Anthony Bond, Diss Express Anna Smith, Sheffield Star John Boyman, Basingstoke Gazette Rebecca Lawrence, Shropshire Star Elizabeth Smith, South Wales Argus Jennifer Brentnall, South Wales Argus Andrew Lewis, Express & Echo, Exeter Jessica Smith, East London Advertiser Graeme Brown, The Sentinel Jonathan Lewis, Steven Smith, Hampshire Chronicle Nicolino Brunetti, Bucks Free Press James Liggett, Congleton Chronicle Lindsay Southall, Bury Times Tracey Bryce, Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser Elizabeth Littler, Braintree & Witham Times Matthew Squires, Lancashire Evening Post Jonathan Bunn, Waltham Forest Guardian Daniel Lombard, South Wales Argus Clara Story, Surrey Comet Claire Burke, South Wales Argus Emma Luther, Gloucestershire Echo Andrew Streat, Maidenhead Advertiser Christopher Burton, Worksop Guardian Nadia Stone, The Bath Chronicle Kerra Maddern, Express & Echo, Exeter Jody Clark, Courier Newspapers Kate Martin, Basingstoke Gazette Simon Thacker, Accrington Observer Gaynor Clarke, Bury Times Jonathan Massey, Watford Observer Helen Thomas, Wiltshire Times David Coates, Lancashire Evening Post Andrew McCreaddie, Knutsford Guardian Paula Thompson, Southern Daily Echo Penny Coles, Tameside Advertiser Sean McFarlane, The Sentinel Rebecca Thomson, South Wales Argus Katherine Cooksey, The Sentinel Richard Meade, Barking & Dagenham Post Laura Thorpe, The Somerset County Gazette Sarah Cosgrove, Waltham Forest Guardian Katya Mira, The Argus, Brighton Naomi Tolley, Herald Express Tim Cunningham, Ilkeston Advertiser Kathryn Moore, Yorkshire Evening Post Liz Trist, Express & Echo, Exeter Owen Morton, Courier Newspapers Claire Truscott, The Argus, Brighton Keir Dawson, Spenborough Guardian Thomas Moseley, The News, Portsmouth Joseph Tulip, Hexham Courant Neil Docking, Warrington Guardian Emma Mountford, Middleton & N Manchester Guardian Stuart Turner, Rugby Advertiser Jonathan Muir, Peterborough Evening Telegraph Matthew Elder, Fife Free Press Sally Munro, Gloucestershire Echo Samuel Underwood, Littlehampton Gazette Kirsty Elleray, Stockport Express Advertiser Gavin Murray, Wakefield Express Jason Evans, Christopher Walker, Doncaster Free Press Stephen Exley, Cambridge Evening News Sara Nelson, News Shopper Emily Walker, Swindon Evening Advertiser John Ward, Reading Evening Post Natalie Fahy, Richmond & Twickenham Times Edward O'Mara, Stamford Mercury Matthew Westby, Grimsby Telegraph Kathryn Fell, North Devon Journal Jane O'Neill, Northumberland Gazette Alison White, News Shopper James Ferguson, Oldham Advertiser Christopher Wickham, Richmond & Twickenham Times Daniel Frost, Courier Newspapers Benjamin Page, Slough Observer David Williams, Waltham Forest Guardian Colin Parker, Surrey Advertiser Ruth Williams, Northants Evening Telegraph Glenn Garrett, Courier Newspapers Amy Parkes, Worksop Guardian Louise Glyde, Hampshire Chronicle Thomas Pegg, Mansfield Chad Kate Yates, Worcester Evening News Daniel Goater, Dorset Echo Jenna Pudelek, Kent & Sussex Courier Christopher Young, Hartlepool Mail Jamie Goodwin, Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph Charlotte Graves-Tamvakis, Islington Gazette Gerran Grimshaw, The Press, York NCE Results, Spring 2007 8 Public Affairs award The annual Public Affairs prize for the best examination paper, sponsored by LGCommunications, went to Emma Horrell who completed her NCTJ course at Warwickshire College. Emma, now a full-time mother, was working for BBC Gardeners’ World for seven months before deciding to enrol onto the full time course.

Jane Surman, chair of LGCommunications, said: “We are pleased to continue to sponsor this award which acknowledges the importance of a thorough understanding of the machinations of local PRELIMINARY CERTIFICATE IN JOURNALISM PRIZES government.

This year more than 2,310 candidates sat the NCTJ preliminary “Emma’s work clearly demonstrates she does indeed understand - Emma Horrell, Certificates in Journalism . All trainees are required to achieve and importantly, that she is able to convey that information with LGCommunications the core journalistic skills for newspaper or magazine journalism, credibility and accuracy. Through recognising emerging talent and award winner or for press photography. encouraging excellence, we hope to ensure a future where observation and challenge of local authorities is rigorous, but accurate and fair.” The range of certificates continues to grow with online journalism and sub-editing introduced in the past 12 months. Shorthand Shorthand continues to be recognised as a fundamental skill for journalists and is an integral Newspaper Journalism part of NCTJ qualifications. The industry standard for shorthand is 100wpm for newspaper During 2006-2007 there were 1,467 candidates. Students had to reporters and 80wpm for magazine reporters. pass exams in Newspaper Journalism and Handout OR News Writing, as well as Media Law part one (court reporting), Media During the last year a total of 1,529 candidates sat the shorthand exam at Law part two (general reporting), Public Affairs part one (local 100wpm and 699 passed. government), Public Affairs part two (central government) and Shorthand at 100wpm. The NCTJ also recognises candidates’ achievements at lower and higher speeds on the preliminary examinations certificate and overall a total of 3,131 Magazine Journalism candidates sat shorthand exams ranging from 80-130wpm. Last year there were 112 candidates. Students had to pass all six subjects in Handout OR News Writing, Media Law part two Deborah Linton, who studied a PgDip in Newspaper Journalism at the (general reporting), Public Affairs part two (central government), University of Central Lancashire, received the Harry Butler award which is Sub-editing, Magazine Portfolio and Shorthand at 80wpm. presented annually to the best shorthand note and transcription at 100% accuracy for 100 wpm. Deborah now works at the Bolton Evening News. Press Photography/Photo-journalism Last year 32 candidates sat the four subjects that make up the Kate Skelton, who was also presented with the Oxford University Press award photographers/photo-journalists preliminary examinations - Kate Skelton, for the best Media Law part two paper during the last academic year, received General Photographic Knowledge, Photographic Practice and Cumbrian Newspapers the Cumbrian Newspapers Award for the best shorthand note and Public Affairs, Media Law & Ethics for Photographers and Caption award winner transcription at 100% accuracy for 110 or 120wpm. Writing OR News Writing. Kate, who works as a trainee reporter at the Nottingham Evening Post, studied an MA in Newspaper Journalism at Nottingham Trent University. Success stories 9 NCE FOR REPORTERS ANNUAL AWARDS 2006-2007 NCE FOR REPORTERS BI-ANNUAL NCE AWARDS 2006-2007

The T.S.Murray Award for 2006, sponsored by the Society of Editors (Scotland), Eight young journalists received cash prizes of £250 each for their went to Helen Paterson of the Inverness Courier for the best performance by a outstanding work for the National Certificate Examination in 2006-2007. The candidate in Scotland in either of the NCTJ's National Certificate Examinations. bi-annual awards are presented after each NCE, in October and April.

The Pamela Meyrick Award for 2006 went to Tom Stirling of The Press, York who Society of Editors’ award for the best news interview paper also received both the Esso Award for News Report and the Newsquest award for his Autumn 2006: Katherine Legge, Evening Echo, Basildon Logbook in April 2006. Spring 2007: Eleanor Simmonds, Oxford Mail

The award is presented annually by Nicola Meyrick, daughter of Pamela for the best Esso Award for the best news report paper NCE candidate working on a newspaper in the North of England or North Wales. Autumn 2006: Mary Griffin, Dorset Echo Spring 2007: David Williams, Waltham Forest Guardian The Eric Dobson Award was presented to Gary Martin of the Hartlepool Mail at the Cordner North East Press Awards in May 2007. Ted Bottomley Award for the best newspaper practice paper Autumn 2006: Kerry Ruse, Surrey Advertiser Gary, who passed his NCE in April 2007, received a cheque for £300 and a Spring 2007: Elizabeth Smith, South Wales Argus scroll. The annual award is presented to the best NCE candidate working for a newspaper from the area of Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, Durham and Newsquest Award for the best logbook Cleveland. Autumn 2006: Gavin Aitchison , The Press York Spring 2007: Matthew Jackson, Swindon Advertiser

NCE FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS AND PHOTO-JOURNALISTS ANNUAL AWARDS 2006-2007

Three awards were presented for outstanding work in the NCE for photographers and photo-journalists during 2006-2007.

The Nikon Award for the Best Single Image went to Matthew Page of The Sentinel, Stoke . Matthew also received the South Wales Argus Award for the Best Advance Project.

Katie Howell of The Argus, Brighton received the Fuji Award , presented to the candidate with the Best Portfolio.

The South Wales Argus Prize for the Best Advance Project is presented to the best advanced project By Matthew Page from the National Certificate Examination held in both May and November. The Sentinel, Stoke Success stories 10 Significant changes have been made to the NCTJ’s In order to ensure that centres stress the importance of So that students can make a fully informed choice accreditation scheme following a comprehensive review, professional qualifications and actively encourage about which course is right for them, the NCTJ will be led by Chris Elliott of The Guardian, which culminated in students to sit NCTJ exams, the new eligibility benchmark publishing a league table of subject and exam take-up the introduction of a new industry standard. requires a minimum percentage A to E pass rate in each and pass rates on its website from next year, together core subject and at least 60-70wpm shorthand if a course with accreditation panel reports and, in due course, The increasing importance of the accreditation scheme is to gain or maintain accreditation. data on students’ job destinations and other key was reflected in the NCTJ’s decision to appoint its first information. full time head of accreditation. Stephen Chambers – a The benchmark – which will be reviewed annually – also former NCTJ trainee with 30 years experience of print reflects the reality of skills convergence. With journalists Over the 12 months to June 2007, the NCTJ accredited and television newsrooms – joined in August 2006. now expected to work across a range of news platforms three new university and two private centre journalism and with the introduction of the new online and video courses and withdrew accreditation from one The new standard sets out the NCTJ’s principles and journalism module, there can no longer be any justification undergraduate programme. This brings the total aims for vocational journalism programmes, as well as for accrediting separate print pathways within courses. number of industry kite marked courses to 65 of which listing more than 20 performance indicators against So the new standard will apply to the total number of 23 are delivered by universities, 12 by FE colleges and which a course’s suitability for accreditation will be students enrolled on an accredited journalism course. six by private and company operators. The NCTJ will judged. continue to work closely with all its centre partners to A proposed second “course of excellence” benchmark is develop and deliver a vocational programme of study For the first time, the new standard has performance also under discussion based on at least a 50 per cent A to that represents the gold standard in journalism training. benchmarks based on exam results. The overwhelming C pass rate in each core subject and, for reporters, majority of centres are delivering highly effective 100wpm shorthand. This is the standard required in order professional courses where most students sit the NCTJ for trainees to progress to the national certificate exams and move into journalism jobs. But the NCTJ is examinations. This will highlight the best courses and concerned that industry accreditation should not be used motivate both centres and students to achieve even solely as a marketing ploy to attract students who don’t higher standards. It will allow the NCTJ to promote have the potential or desire to be journalists or are not publicly those courses that go the extra mile in delivering encouraged to sit NCTJ exams - only to discover that an a course that produces knowledgeable and skilled trainee academic journalism award on its own is unlikely to journalists who will readily find jobs in newsrooms impress most recruiting editors. throughout the country.

Accreditation Stephen Chambers, Head of Accreditation 11 Bournemouth University Highbury College Staffordshire University BA (Hons) Journalism Fast-track in Newspaper Journalism BA (Hons) Journalism One year, part-time in Newspaper Journalism Brighton - The Journalist Works Sutton Coldfield College Block release in Newspaper Journalism 12-week diploma in Production Journalism plus two-week Academic year course in Newspaper Journalism Certificate in Sub-editing Kingston University University of Brighton MA/PgDip Journalism Brunel University BA (Hons) Sport Journalism MA Journalism Lambeth College University of Central Lancashire Fast-track in Newspaper Journalism Cardiff University BA (Hons) Journalism Foundation Degree in Journalism PgDip in Newspaper Journalism PgDip/MA in Newspaper Journalism Leeds Trinity & All Saints MA in Magazine Journalism Cardonald College MA/PgDip in Print Journalism HND in Journalism Studies University of Cumbria Day Release – Newspaper Journalism Liverpool Community College BA (Hons) Journalism Fast-track in Newspaper Journalism City College Brighton & Hove University of Portsmouth Fast-track in Magazine Journalism Fast-track PgDip in Newspaper Journalism BA Journalism (combined honours) Academic year course in Newspaper Journalism Fast-track PgDip in Magazine Journalism Day Release – Newspaper Journalism University of Salford City of Wolverhampton College BA Journalism (combined honours) Liverpool John Moores University Academic year course in Newspaper Journalism MA/PgDip in Newspaper Journalism BA (Hons) Journalism Day Release – Newspaper Journalism University of Sheffield Midland News Association Cornwall College Camborne BA Journalism Studies (single & combined honours) Midland News Association three-year training scheme Foundation Degree in Newspaper Journalism MA in Newspaper Journalism Fast-track course in Newspaper Journalism News Associates / Sportsbeat University of Strathclyde Fast-track in Newspaper Journalism Darlington College of Technology BA (Hons) Journalism & Creative Writing Part-time course in Newspaper Journalism Fast-track course in Newspaper Journalism University of Sunderland Block release in Newspaper Journalism noSWeat Journalism Training BA (Hons) Journalism Fast-track in Newspaper Journalism De Montfort University MA/PgDip in Newspaper Journalism Part-time course in Newspaper Journalism PgDip Newspaper Journalism University of Teesside Nottingham Trent University Edge Hill University BA (Hons) Multimedia Journalism Professional Practice MA/PgDip in Newspaper Journalism BA (Hons) Journalism University of Ulster at Coleraine Press Association Training Centre Glasgow Caledonian University MA in Newspaper Journalism Editorial Foundation Course in Newspaper Journalism BA (Hons) Journalism Up To Speed Journalism Training Ltd Scottish Centre for Journalism Studies Harlow College Fast-track in Newspaper Journalism PgDip/MLitt in Journalism Studies Fast-track course in Newspaper Journalism Warwickshire College Fast-track course in Magazine Journalism Sheffield College, Norton Centre Academic year course in Newspaper Journalism Academic year course in Newspaper Journalism Academic year course in Newspaper Journalism Academic year course in Magazine Journalism Academic year course in Press photography or Photo-journalism Fast-track in Newspaper Journalism 12-week block release in Press photography NCTJ accredited courses 12 eJournalism News Website Communicating with a wide variety of stakeholders is a The NCTJ ‘s website continues to be the key communication tool for: those challenge that the NCTJ faces every day from centres considering a career in journalism; those on NCTJ accredited courses; for editors and the aspiring journalists that take the NCTJ wanting to register trainees; and for trainees taking their NCE. accredited courses, through to editors, trainees and careers advisors. The content is continually being developed and new features added. The careers information pack we provide to editors, careers advisors or those simply wanting eJournalism News, the monthly email newsletter ( right ), information a career in journalism through the NCTJ, is now available on the keeps all subscribers informed of important dates, website. developments and news from the NCTJ, continues to be our most popular communication tool. This electronic Once the new database is established, the development of a personal log-in space source of information will be developed over the next 12 will facilitate on-line booking of examinations, events and courses. months to cater for specific audiences.

New qualifications database Publications In February 2007, the NCTJ’s new bespoke web-based Two key publications were developed in the 2006-2007 database was installed replacing the Expro system that academic year. The 19 th edition of McNae’s Essential Law for had been used by the company for the past 14 years. Journalists was launched in July 2007. The introduction of the media law bible took place at the Law Society, London The complex system was designed and implemented by and also marked the retirement of Tom Welsh and Walter Hertfordshire based company, KIM Software . It has Greenwood as authors. streamlined the administration of examinations and improved communication to provide an even better Chair of the NCTJ law examinations board Mark Hanna, was service for our customers. named as the new co-author and he will work with the third existing author, David Banks on the 20 th edition, due for release in 2009. Tom and Walter will be honorary consultant editors to ensure continuity between editions.

Essential Reporting: The NCTJ Guide for Trainee Journalists written by Jon Smith, an NCTJ examiner, marker, moderator and member of the newspaper journalism board, was pub- lished by SAGE. It provides a practical guide to succeeding as a trainee reporter in today's newsroom. This publication is now recommended reading for all those starting their careers in journalism. Communication 13 Events Foundation Course in News Reporting A number of workshops, seminars and meetings are In February 2007, the Foundation Course in News Reporting (NRDL) was organised by the NCTJ every year. Marking workshops are launched after six months of development. This course modernised and held bi-annually for each subject area for examiners to updated the old Foundation Course in Newspaper Journalism designed to update their skills and check their marking standards. help those who couldn't commit to an accredited course or in-company training to gain their NCTJ preliminary qualifications. Our seminars for law, public affairs and shorthand tutors are always popular both for networking and skills development. The new programme took into account feedback from customers who Our sponsored visit to the European Parliament has wanted streamlined materials, more support materials and, most become a popular annual pilgrimage for tutors and students. importantly, tutorial support . The new course pack consists of:

The annual heads of journalism seminar was split into three • two CD’s: modules and supporting materials events last year to allow a greater focus on higher • seven recommended textbooks education, further education and commercial training issues. • five hours of telephone tutorial support

The Careers in Journalism seminars in Manchester and • three shorthand practice CD’s London gave careers advisors from the Connexions • the Portfolio, one of the preliminary assessment methods. service the chance to learn about routes into journalism and NCTJ qualifications. More than 60 people attended two This course is now not only proving to be popular with those pursuing a events at the and The Guardian career in journalism while maintaining a full or part-time job outside the where editors and photographers from newspapers and industry, but also with direct entrants who have been fortunate enough to magazines gave advice on getting into journalism. gain a position on a newspaper as a trainee, without already achieving their preliminary Certificate in Journalism qualification. Short courses Our programme of short courses is designed to complement rather than compete with in-company training schemes and commercial providers. We run a small number of open courses and bespoke in-company courses.

Events and distance learning 14

Melissa Ali Ali Shane Gladstone Oluchi Ugwu Karen Fazackerley Allison-Forbes

Thanks to another substantial donation from the Newspaper Licensing Application deadlines for the third year have been changed slightly to Jo Adetjuni Agency (NLA) and backing from the industry, the Journalism Diversity accommodate the demands that centres make on students during the Fund was able to offer bursaries to aspiring journalists for the second application procedure. The new deadlines are 31 st March, 30 th June year running. and 31 st October 2008.

The Journalism Diversity Fund has gone from strength-to-strength Still very much in its infancy, awareness of the fund is spreading and since its launch in 2005, with bursaries, mentoring and work as a result more and more people are applying for assistance with placements on offer to those considering a career in journalism. testimonials from editors boosting the success of applications.

Daniel Smith A second donation of £100,000 from the NLA and cash contributions To date financial support has been given to students on courses at: from publishing companies including Associated Newspapers, Guardian News & Media, News International, Pearson and the Scott City College Brighton & Hove Kevin Mudie Trust has made it possible to award 22 further bursaries in the last 12 Darlington College months. Journalist Works - Brighton Kingston University In the second year three deadlines were made available to cater for Lambeth College the various start times of NCTJ accredited courses – 30 th April, 31 st Liverpool Community College July and 31 st October 2007. Norton College, Sheffield noSWeat Journalism Training The first bursary recipients completed their courses in 2007 and Nottingham Trent University sponsors, editors, course tutors and supporters gathered at a Scottish Centre for Journalism Studies Duncan Bick celebratory reception and lunch to congratulate the original cohort and University of Central Lancashire the 22 new recipients. University of Salford Kim Carmichael University of Sheffield Hosted and sponsored by Pearson, the event gave those who University of Sunderland continue to support the fund an opportunity to meet the aspiring Warwickshire College journalists they are helping to achieve their dreams. Likewise, recipients were able to network and make contact with industry For further information about the representatives and several of the new recipients have gained work initiative please visit experience placements on national and regional newspapers. www.journalismdiversityfund.com .

Jennifer Coombes Chinwe Akomah Journalism Diversity Fund 15 Resources Investment Powers, Policy and Performance Charitable Contribution The net incoming resources of the group amounted to Under the memorandum and articles of association, the During the year NCTJ Training Limited made a £66,503 (2006: £138,227), which together with net realised NCTJ has the power to make investments in such charitable donation under deed of covenant of £67,178 and unrealised gains on investments amounting to securities, property and other investments as the (2006: £46,780) to its holding company, The National £11,725 (2005: £15,961) produced a total movement of directors see fit. Council for the Training of Journalists, a registered funds of £78,228 surplus (2006: £154,188 surplus). The charity. consolidated surplus for the year, exclusive of the The portfolio is invested with the advice of Rensburg Journalism Diversity Fund, was £6,981 (2006: £33,542). Sheppards Investment Management Limited and the directors are satisfied with its overall performance. National Council for the Training of Journalists This satisfactory outcome was mainly due to the overall summary of group financial activities for the year stability of the revenue streams. Reserves ended 30 June 2007. It is the aim of the directors to generate surpluses 2007 2006 The Council continued to invest in technology by installing sufficient to maintain a level of resources, which in the a new database and further developing its accreditation opinion of the Board is commensurate with the identified £ £ scheme and range of qualifications. Some of the Council’s needs of the NCTJ. qualifications were accredited onto the National Incoming resources 902,608 960,553 Qualifications Framework by the Qualifications and The principal funding sources are: donations from per Curriculum Authority. capita members; income from registrations, pre-entry Expenditure 836,105 822,325 fees and examination fees; sales of publications and The NCTJ no longer administers funding from the Sector training materials; accreditation fees; government Operating surplus for the year 67,904 138,227 Skills Development Agency for publishing skills related contract income; donations to the Journalism Diversity Consisting of : projects on behalf of the Publishing Skills Group. As Fund; and investment income. Restricted fund 60,923 104,685 anticipated, this is now undertaken by Skillset. Trading surplus 6,981 33,542 Structure and governance An industry charitable fund, the Journalism Diversity Fund, The National Council for the Training of Journalists is a Balance sheet as at 30 June 2007 fosters greater diversity in the newsroom by promoting registered charity. The training activities of the group careers in journalism and awarding bursaries to those from are carried out by NCTJ Training Limited, a wholly- Tangible fixed assets 548,129 550,992 minority ethnic and social communities without the owned subsidiary. Investments 216,876 205,802 financial means to attend NCTJ pre-entry courses. Managed and administered by the NCTJ, the fund was New directors are recommended and appointed by the Current assets 352,701 304,794 boosted by a second lump sum of £100,000 from the directors. The number of directors is not subject to any Newspaper Licensing Agency. Eighteen bursaries were maximum but is not less than three. A director’s term of Current liabilities 174,884 196,996 awarded during the year. office is three years, renewable for a further three years, and, in exceptional circumstances, another three years. Net current assets 177,817 107,798 The directors consider the state of affairs of the company Net assets 942,822 864,592 and group to be satisfactory. Business and finance 16

Mission

To be recognised inside and outside the media industry as the primary body for developing qualified journalists.

Purpose

To provide a world-class education and training system that develops current and future journalists for the demands of the 21 st century.

Objectives

To achieve our purpose we will: The NCTJ operates in a fast-changing market place and We are committed to collaborative working and want to • accredit education and training providers and represents an occupation that is both demanding and be accessible and responsive to the full range of dynamic. We aim to be flexible, responsive and proactive. customers and stakeholders. The Society of Editors recognise courses of excellence We want to constantly challenge and stretch the works particularly closely with us and has helped ensure organisation to improve our performance in existing areas that editors are fully involved in our work and are • offer outstanding qualifications which guarantee and to break new ground. informed about new initiatives. the skills needed in the workplace We have been putting in place new structural plans, The NCTJ is an active member of the Publishing Skills • foster continuing professional development for developing our accreditation scheme, raising our profile Group and we are looking forward to developing a journalists throughout their careers and influence, modernising almost everything that we do mutually advantageous relationship with Skillset. Our and adding to our products and services. strategic alliance with the Broadcast Journalism Training • provide services and products that are Council continues and is sure to develop further next demonstrably helpful and relevant to our customers As well as developing what we currently do, we are taking year in this increasingly convergent world. steps to expand the range of qualifications we provide to meet the needs of all journalists. Priorities 2007-2008 The Directors have agreed five priority areas for the year The underlying health of the NCTJ – represented by the ahead. These are: demand for our products and services – is excellent. • take action on convergence and ensure a supply of Much of our progress is due to the efforts of a committed multi-media qualified journalists for the newsroom. team of directors, staff and associates, and the very many • work with accredited courses to ensure high journalism volunteers who help maintain our enviable reputation for standards and professionalism high standards and who support us in so many ways. Our • develop a ‘gold standard’ for journalism training and accredited courses work very hard to nurture tomorrow’s qualifications journalists ensuring editors have a pool of talent from which to recruit. • communicate effectively and enhance our profile • promote careers in journalism and take action on diversity.

The year ahead 17 Directors Kim Fletcher, chairman Joanne Butcher, chief executive Peter Cole, vice chairman Brien Beharrell Sue Campbell John Fry Jan Lever Donald Martin Liz Page Alan Qualtrough NCTJ staff Alan Rusbridger Joanne Aitchison, senior examinations controller Bob Satchwell Jan Alder, PA to the chief executive and short course manager Martin Stevenson Kathy Baldry, examinations controller Malcolm Vickers Joanne Butcher, chief executive Stephen Chambers, head of accreditation Laura Garbas, communications manager Shevon Houston, events, training & diversity administrator Lyn Jones, qualifications manager Jessamy Rapkin, examinations controller Beverley Rhodes, examinations controller

Awarding body Amanda Ball, principal examiner and chief examiner, public affairs Lloyd Bracey, chief examiner, online journalism Marie Cartwright, chief examiner, shorthand Peter Dash, chief examiner, press photography and photo-journalism Sean Dooley, chairman of the quality assurance and standards committee Cathy Duncan, chief examiner, sub-editing Mark Hanna, chief examiner, media law Steve Nelson, chief examiner, newspaper journalism

Who’s who 18 National Council for the Training of Journalists The New Granary Station Road Newport Saffron Walden Essex CB11 3PL

Tel: 01799 544014 Fax: 01799 544015

Email: [email protected] Website: www.nctj.com