Journalism diversity intern appointed by the NCTJ

A new journalism diversity intern has been appointed by the NCTJ on a six-month internship. 

Sam Tonkin, who is studying an NCTJ distance learning course in news reporting, will be responsible for administering and promoting the Journalism Diversity Fund. 

Sam completed his exams in news writing and public affairs in April and is planning to sit the media law and sports journalism exams in November. 

His role will be to promote and help build support for the Journalism Diversity Fund, including the administration of applications and awarding of bursaries. 

Sam will also be responsible for organising diversity projects to help raise awareness of the fund. 

The 26-year-old from Cambridge, who began his traineeship on Monday, 19 July, said he was looking forward to the challenge and was thankful for being given the opportunity. 

He said: “I’m grateful to have been given the chance to be at the heart of the Journalism Diversity Fund, and to work with everyone to build awareness of the fund throughout the industry. 

“My aim is to develop the fund and increase the number of bursary applications so that more people with diverse backgrounds have a chance to pursue a career in journalism.” 

The deadline to submit applications for the next group of bursaries awarded by the Journalism Diversity Fund is 5pm on Friday, 29 October. 

For an application form and more information about the Journalism Diversity Fund visit www.journalismdiversityfund.com or contact Sam Tonkin on journalismdiversityfund@nctj.com. 

Editors and senior journalists are also needed to sit on the panel which interviews applicants to the Journalism Diversity Fund.

If you would like to help people from diverse backgrounds to pursue a career in journalism please email journalismdiversityfund@nctj.com.