Reach plc becomes sponsor of the Journalism Diversity Fund and NCTJ strategic partner

Reach plc, the largest news publisher in the UK, has become a strategic partner of the NCTJ, and a sponsor of the Journalism Diversity Fund (JDF).

Strategic partners support the future of high-quality journalism by contributing to the NCTJ’s work in many different ways, helping the charity build its capacity, supporting its programme of events and helping to ensure that qualifications continue to prepare journalists for the rigours of the modern newsroom.

The JDF, administered by the NCTJ, awards bursaries to aspiring journalists from diverse backgrounds who do not have the financial means to support themselves through NCTJ diploma courses.

The fund, which is now supported by twelve sponsors, awarded 46 bursaries last year – a record number – and has helped over 340 individuals since it was established.

Alan Edmunds, regional director at Reach plc, said: “The Journalism Diversity Fund is a very important initiative; it’s helped dozens of talented people forge a career in journalism who might not otherwise have been able to.

“And so we at Reach are delighted to now have a partnership which offers practical and financial support for the fund.

“As our newsrooms become more diverse, so our journalism becomes more encompassing, and the better we are able serve the communities we cover.”

Joanne Butcher, chief executive of the NCTJ, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Reach has agreed to become a strategic partner of the NCTJ, and a sponsor of the Journalism Diversity Fund.

“It is vital to the NCTJ’s role in preparing students for employment that we have close ties with those at the industry’s coalface, and we are looking forward to involving Reach in all areas of our work.

“Reach’s decision to become a backer of the JDF clearly demonstrates the company’s commitment to removing barriers of entry to the journalism sector, and is a further indicator of the value placed by the industry on a scheme which has helped more than 340 people from disadvantaged backgrounds since it was set up 13 years ago.”