The NCTJ’s Journalism Diversity Fund receives special award from the Press Awards

The NCTJ’s Journalism Diversity Fund (JDF) has been honoured with a special award from the Press Awards, which were announced today.

Journalism Diversity Fund (JDF) was established in 2005 with the support of NLA media access to encourage more people from diverse backgrounds to train as journalists.

Since its launch, the fund has awarded more than 400 bursaries to support aspiring journalists from diverse backgrounds through NCTJ-accredited courses.

Joanne Butcher, chief executive of the NCTJ, said: “We are so pleased that the Journalism Diversity Fund has been given this award by the Press Awards. It is recognition of the JDF’s achievements since it was established, and of the significant amount of work that remains to be done to make the news media sector more diverse and inclusive.

“In the last 16 years, the JDF has supported over 400 people from financially disadvantaged backgrounds to undertake professional training qualifications at NCTJ-accredited centres. The vast majority of those individuals have gone on to have successful careers as journalists.

“But we know from our regular research that there is so much more to do to make the journalism industry accessible and truly representative: and we want the JDF to be at the heart of that ongoing effort.

“The JDF is a tried and trusted scheme, which backs up financial support and professional training with mentoring, pastoral support and work insight opportunities. It is possible thanks to the financial backing of 21 media organisations, each of which has recognised the value of our approach.

“We hope other media companies will consider joining us so we can assist more budding journalists, and so we can expand our support for their onward career development.

“Thank you to all the JDF’s backers, supporter and friends. And thank you most of all to the brilliant JDF alumni, who have proved why the scheme is so important.”