Reporting - A journalism driving test?

Human faeces or poo? It’s a conundrum all journalists face from time-to-time, but in truth there is no simple answer.

If you were working for a red top you may opt for the latter, however, if you had put on your NCTJ-cap you probably would choose the former.

This type of stylistic debate has been a central theme in our reporting classes since the course started.

Word selection is of course highly important, and although not all newspapers require their reporters to be as concise as is required to pass the reporting exam, the ability to write tightly is an invaluable skill.

When space is at a premium it is vital to write succinctly while still producing something comprehensive and readable.

A criticism I often hear is that the reporting module teaches students to pass an exam and not how to write as a real journalist would.

This may be true to an extent, however it is almost certainly the case that the marking scheme for the news writing exam has been tailored to reflect the practical skills that a journalist needs once in the field.

Every paper has its own style. Reporters at the Sun don’t write the same as they do at the Mail and those at the Mail don’t write the same as those on the Times.

But I bet you find that what the majority of those journalists do have in common is the ability to write clearly and concisely in an exciting and absorbing manner.

I leave you with the words of former Harlow NCTJ student Piers Morgan who once said when asked of the value of his training:

“It taught me the importance of accuracy, critical thinking, editing overly verbose copy to fit a certain space, and telling a story in an exciting and compelling way.”

Toby Meyjes