A Brief History

It followed the recommendations of the 1949 Royal Commission on the Press, which urged the industry to provide a system to teach and monitor training, both in practical skills as well as underpinning knowledge.

In the early days this was achieved through a day-release system whereby junior reporters attended approved local colleges.

NCTJ syllabuses took account of news writing and interview skills, knowledge of relevant publication law, public affairs (national and local government structures), and shorthand.

Trainee reporters were required to gain a 100 wpm certificate in shorthand to demonstrate their ability to accurately record the spoken word.