Journalists for the future

In today’s tough economic climate and fast-changing multimedia world, it can be difficult for trainee journalists to know what they need to do in order to succeed in their chosen profession. The journalists of the future will be very different to those of the past and their skills need to be applicable to a much wider range of media.

With this in mind, NCTJ chief executive Joanne Butcher today gave a presentation on ‘Journalists for the future’ at the Society of Editors conference in Glasgow.

Along with Martin Stanford, Sky News presenter, Stephen Heppell, CEO at Heppell.net and visiting professor at Bournemouth University and Marie Kinsey, Chairman of the BJTC, Joanne discussed the attributes editors are looking for in trainee journalists and what trainees need to do to succeed in the constantly changing multimedia industry.

With journalists needing an ever-growing set of skills in order to become successful, NCTJ-accredited courses provide an excellent starting point for those beginning their careers. Accredited courses not only equip trainees with the skills, knowledge and experience they need to gain a job across all sectors of the industry, they also provide a gold-standard of training so students can be sure of receiving the best quality education.

Following the presentation, Joanne and Simon Bucks, associate editor at Sky News celebrated some real-life journalists for the future as they announced the winners of the 2010 NCTJ Awards for Excellence. More information on the awards can be found here.