NCTJ and Sky Sports News debut video about why shorthand is crucial for journalists

A video promoting the importance of shorthand for professional journalists has been unveiled at the NCTJ’s shorthand seminar.

The video was screened for the first time at the seminar in Mary Ward House in London on Friday 17 May. The video was commissioned by the NCTJ to demonstrate the continued importance of shorthand in the modern newsroom following concerns from the accreditation board on shorthand achievement.

Joanne Butcher, chief executive of the NCTJ, said: “Shorthand has always been recognised by the NCTJ as a core skill for journalists. While not an easy skill to master, achieving 100 wpm demonstrates tenacity to succeed as a journalist. I would like to thank BSkyB and all of the contributors for working with us on this important project.”   

Laurie Tucker, day editor of Sky Sports News who co-produced the video said: “Shorthand is an essential tool for all journalists in the digital age and trainees will find many more doors opening if they achieve that goal of 100 words a minute. This video will help course leaders promote shorthand and help candidates understand its importance. BSkyB, like many employers, now only take on those trainees who’ve shown the application and tenacity needed to pass shorthand.”

The video, produced by BSkyB, features contributions from journalists and editors across the industry, including: Alex Crawford, special correspondent, Sky News; Graham Dudman, editorial development director, News International; Maria Hudd, sports reporter, Eastbourne Herald; Dave King, head of news, Eastbourne Herald; Aiden Magee, reporter, Sky Sports News; Emily Nash, reporter, The Sun; Jane Peel, news correspondent, BBC; Helen Pidd, northern editor, The Guardian; Jon Vale, reporter, Berkshire Media Group; Jim White, presenter, Sky Sports News and Joanna Wilson, producer, Sky Sports News.

Click here to view the full video.