NCTJ awards recognise centres innovating to support the safety and resilience of student journalists

The 2024 NCTJ Awards for Excellence shone a spotlight on the innovative ways journalism educators are preparing students to navigate an increasingly complex and digital media landscape.

The awards ceremony, sponsored by Reuters, took place on Friday, 4 April at Hallé St Peter’s in Manchester.

This year’s shortlisted entries for the Innovation of the Year award all demonstrated how journalism training is evolving to equip the next generation with the skills, confidence and resilience needed to thrive in the industry.

The University of Sheffield won the award for its immersive virtual reality newsgathering workshop. Judges described the simulation as “innovative and groundbreaking,” highlighting its impact on first-year journalism students learning to report safely in high-pressure environments.

Others on the shortlist included Ulster University’s Mediastrong campaign, a pioneering mental health initiative addressing newsroom challenges, and the University of Sunderland’s AI-powered “choose your own adventure” simulation, designed to help students manage anxiety around on-the-scene reporting.

This focus on safety and resilience comes at a crucial time. Following the UK-wide riots in July 2024, which saw an unprecedented rise in threats to journalists, the NCTJ pledged to strengthen training around journalist safety and wellbeing.

This commitment is being delivered through the work of the NCTJ’s safety and resilience advisory panel, established in 2023. In partnership with industry experts, the panel is developing new resources to be made available through the Journalism Skills Academy, building on findings from the Journalists at Work research. The study highlighted the increasing pressures journalists face, and the urgent need for support around wellbeing and safety.

Michelle Johnson, editorial director of Vantage Media and chair of the NCTJ’s accreditation board, said: “The innovation displayed by our accredited course providers is truly inspiring. They’ve shown real creativity in addressing one of the industry’s biggest challenges.

“From virtual reality training to AI simulations and mental health campaigns, these initiatives reflect the forward-thinking approaches we need. They complement our own work to ensure journalists, from students to experienced professionals, have access to the resources, training and support they need to stay safe and succeed in their careers.”

To learn more about the NCTJ’s safety and resilience work, click here.

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