Death of NCTJ ‘champion’

The NCTJ is sad to learn of the death of Jim Brennan on 7 December, aged 96.

The NCTJ is sad to learn of the death of Jim Brennan on 7 December, aged 96.

Jim taught the first NCTJ course at Harlow College when our syllabus was accepted into the state education system in 1964. He was the first full time journalism “lecturer in charge” at the college.

Joanne Butcher, NCTJ chief executive, said: “Jim was a long-serving member of the Council and will be remembered as one of our true champions. He was really passionate about high journalistic standards including the importance of a good shorthand note, serving as chairman of the shorthand board from 1970 until his retirement from the NCTJ.

“He had a varied career in local and national journalism until he stopped reporting at the age of 90.

“Long-serving supporters of the NCTJ remember Jim as a lovely kind and generous person. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

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