Blackpool Gazette reporter scores excellence hat-trick as 72 per cent pass NCTJ senior journalist test

A newly-qualified senior reporter for the Blackpool Gazette has scooped three of the four NCTJ excellence awards as he was among 50 journalists to make the grade as senior reporters passing the National Qualification in Journalism.

Some 69 journalists sat the exam in July making a pass rate of 72 per cent, the highest rate ever.

Paul Berentzen won the Ted Bottomley Award for media law and practice, the Esso Award for his news report, and the Society of Editors’ Award for his news interview. He completed his preliminary NCTJ qualification at News Associates in Manchester.

The chief examiner said: “To be adjudged the nation’s best in one category is an achievement in itself. To do it in three sections is remarkable.”

The examiners said he produced excellent answers in the media law and practice paper with an almost perfect answer in the ethics question.

On his news report and news interview, the examiners praised his newsroom skills, mature style and logical questioning.

Berentzen said: "I am extremely grateful for the support of colleagues past and present who helped prepare me for the exams.

"I would advise any trainees getting ready to sit the NQJ to set aside plenty of time to revise, ask senior colleagues about their experiences of the exams, and try not to let nerves get the better of you on the day."

He was one of four NQJ candidates from the Blackpool Gazette who passed their senior exams first-time in the July sitting.

Blackpool Gazette editor Jon Rhodes said: "I am absolutely delighted all four of our trainees – Paul Berentzen, David Sharman, Katie Upton and Gareth Vickers – have passed their NQJs at the first attempt.

"All four of them have proved to be first-rate reporters who really get Blackpool and the Fylde coast and how to seek out and deliver hard-hitting, compelling and entertaining content.

"I always say to aspiring reporters in interviews there is no better place to learn than here in Blackpool. It is one of the most unique and lively news patches in the UK. Together with the assistance of our trainer John Wilson, news editor Matt Squires and head of content Andy Sykes, the endless supply of diverse news has helped hone the skills of all four which should hopefully stand them in great stead for the remainder of what, I am sure, will be hugely successful journalistic careers.

"I am also thrilled to learn Paul has won three of the four national awards as part of the NQJ process which is a fantastic achievement and unheard of in recent history."

The final award, the Newsquest Award for the e-logbook, was won by Megan Tatum, a senior reporter for the Essex Chronicle.

The winners will receive a cheque for £250 and a certificate of achievement for each award.

Here is the full list of journalists who passed the NQJ:

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