Journalism in Focus... with Richard Tait
Professor Richard Tait, Director of the Centre for Journalism
Journalism is one of the most interesting, but also most demanding, of all professions. It requires commitment, enthusiasm and technical ability – but also integrity and judgement.
Because there are always far more applicants than entry level jobs, getting that first step on the ladder is vital.
We are proud of our track record in giving our students the skills and discipline which they will need to get their first job with a good employer; I have no doubt that if you commit yourself wholeheartedly to the course, you will acquire those skills and get that job.
But our long term aim is even more ambitious – we want to give you the background knowledge and values to enable you to go on from your first job to have a really successful career, whether as an editor or reporter.
To do that, we focus on the two key parts of any journalist’s education. First, we give you the high level of technical skills you need to produce high quality journalism (both in your chosen option and in multi—media) in a realistic environment, being taught and judged by tutors who are themselves experienced professionals. Second, we want you to leave Cardiff with a broad understanding of the media, how the media and other industries work and the ethical, legal and regulatory responsibilities of journalists.
We will look at past case studies and current controversies – such as the coverage of the Iraq war and the growth of ‘spin’. You will hear the experiences of leading professionals, including many who started their careers with the Cardiff Diploma course.
We will also ensure that you learn to make the best possible use of the new technologies which are transforming the media business. A major objective of the course is to give you the multi-media skills to work effectively in the converged newsrooms which are rapidly become the industry norm.
From my own experience as an editor at the BBC and then as Editor-in-Chief of ITN, I know how good the Diploma course is, and how hard the students and tutors work to achieve the high standards which are essential for success in such dynamic and fast-changing professions. Its reputation is as high in the worlds of newspapers and magazines as it is in broadcasting. And the course has a well-deserved reputation for being fun and stimulating, as well as hard work.
So enjoy your time here - the effort you put in to the course will lay the foundations for a successful career in your chosen profession.
Professor Richard Tait - Director of the Centre for Journalism