New Journalists need to 'have it all'
Journalists need ‘old' and ‘new' skills to be properly equipped to work in the converged newsrooms of today.
This is one of the key results of a national convergent journalism skills survey. Funded by Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for the Creative Media industries, the NCTJ research surveyed over 200 employers of journalists in television, radio, national and regional newspapers and magazines. A number of influential sector groups also supported the survey such as the Society of Editors, the Broadcast Journalism Training Council and the Periodicals Training Council.
The findings were presented at the National Council for the Training of Journalists' Journalism Skills Conference held at The Lowry, Salford Quays, Greater Manchester, on December 4 and 5.
The findings will help shape future training programmes for new entrant journalists provided by universities, further education colleges and private training providers.
Kim Fletcher, chairman of the NCTJ, writes in the foreword to the report: "The results are a fascinating insight into the collision of ‘old' and ‘new' skills - and a clear indication that both are needed. In terms of traditional skills, our respondents worried about the ability of young reporters to find their own stories, their use of language, their knowledge of media law and - vital as ever - their ability to write shorthand.
"The new skills that many found lacking were video, writing for search engine optimisation, writing for multi-platforms, assembling news bulletins and audio or video packages and using the Freedom of Information Act.
"What emerged strongly was that these were not areas for compromise. There was no question of old or new: employers were clear that they wanted both.
"This insistence on a high level of skill is encouraging for all of us who believe journalism must maintain high standards. To have hard evidence of what is wanted is invaluable. Now for the hard work of achieving the required level in so many different disciplines."
The research took place in September and October 2008. The aim was to discover whether journalism training is meeting the needs of employers in what has become a multi-media environment. Universities, further education colleges and private training providers running accredited journalism courses were also asked to take part.
The online surveys were supplemented by a series of interviews with employers and providers.
Skillset Chair, Clive Jones CBE, said the survey marked an important step for the publishing sector to plan for its skill needs.
"This report is invaluable for the publishing sector and I applaud the NCTJ, the Society of Editors, the Broadcast Journalism Training Council and the Periodicals Training Council, on a job well done.
"Employers have told us where the skills issues are to confront the challenge of convergence. Now the onus is on us, our industry stakeholders, and education providers to put the information we've learned into practice," he said.
As previously reported, the National Council for the Training of Journalists, the Broadcasting Journalism Training Council and the Periodicals Training Council have established a joint journalism training council. The aim is to identify common areas of training that will satisfy the requirements of employers in all sectors of the media.
Using the survey findings, Skillset will work with the NCTJ, PTC, BJTC and others to develop a skills plan for journalism in the publishing industry. This will be driven by the Skillset Publishing Skills Council. A full copy of the report is available here:
Executive summary and full report: National Convergent Journalism Skills Survey
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NOTES FOR EDITORS
About the National Council for the Training of Journalists
The NCTJ is the leading journalism training organisation. It accredits education and training providers; offers qualifications which guarantee the skills needed in the workplace; fosters continuing professional development for journalists, and provides a range of services and products relevant to its customers. To find out more, visit National Council for the Training of Journalists.
About Skillset
Skillset is the SSC for Creative Media which comprises TV, film, radio, interactive media, animation, computer games, facilities, photo imaging and publishing. SSCs are licensed by the UK Government and by Ministers in the devolved administrations to tackle the skills and productivity challenge by sector. They are independent, UK-wide organisations, are employer-led, and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the industry.
PRESS ENQUIRIE
For further information, contact:
Emma Harpley, NCTJ Communications Manager, on 01799 544940 email emma.harpley@nctj.com.
Nick Gowland, Skillset Press and PR Manager, on 0207 713 9812 email nickg@skillset.org.
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