Champions of diversity in journalism celebrated at the NCTJ Awards for Excellence

Journalists and educators going above and beyond to promote equality, diversity and inclusion were recognised at the NCTJ Awards for Excellence, sponsored by Reuters.

The ceremony took place at Hallé St Peter’s in Manchester on Friday, 4 April, and was presented by Alex Crawford, special correspondent at Sky News and patron of the NCTJ.

Shaheena Uddin, founder of Muslim Journalists Connect, won the individual equality, diversity and inclusion award, sponsored by the Financial Times, for her work supporting Muslim media professionals through mentorship, networking and advocacy. Shaheena completed the NCTJ diploma at News Associates London with a bursary from the Journalism Diversity Fund.

The University of Sheffield won the award in the organisation category for its Inclusive Voices project, which aimed to make their curriculum more diverse, ensuring practical news agendas include a wider range of communities. Judges praised its fieldwork risk assessment strategy for Black students as “inclusive to its core.”

Rebecca Moore, senior director for bureau and technical operations at CNN was honoured with the chair’s award for her outstanding contribution to training and diversity.

Presenting the award, NCTJ chair Sue Brooks described Rebecca as a “remarkable force in journalism. She said: “It’s her unwavering passion for people, equality, and progress that truly defines her impact.

“Rebecca has been a long-standing and passionate supporter of the NCTJ and a tireless advocate for the Journalism Diversity Fund. Her commitment goes far beyond words. From mentoring young journalists to helping shape meaningful initiatives, Rebecca has worked to drive real, lasting change.”

While dedicated awards highlighted specific diversity initiatives, powerful examples of inclusive storytelling were celebrated across every category. Student sports journalist winner Evie Ashton from St Mary’s University was praised for her powerful reporting on mental health and ADHD in sport, while Level 7 apprentice of the year winner Sanjana Idnani, from BBC Wales News, tackled issues affecting vulnerable groups, including children in care.

Joanne Forbes, NCTJ chief executive, said: “What stands out in this year’s awards is how inclusion isn’t confined to specific categories, it’s woven through all areas of journalism. From news and sport to podcasts and features, our winners are telling stories that reflect the full range of society. It shows that inclusive reporting isn’t an add-on, it’s integral to quality reporting.”

The NCTJ continues to drive progress through initiatives such as the Community News Project, which has created more than 280 local reporting roles, and the Journalism Diversity Fund, which has supported more than 600 aspiring journalists from diverse backgrounds through their NCTJ training.

Click here to see a full list of the awards and their work.