Third round of JDF bursaries awarded in 2018

Cohort three of the 2018 Journalism Diversity Fund has concluded with the awarding of eleven bursaries. This additional round was opened in August due to the high demand in cohort two.
These aspiring journalists were awarded funding to begin their journalism training at NCTJ-accredited courses in the 2018-19 academic year, and bursaries can help fund their course fees and/or living expenses.

Twelve shortlisted candidates were interviewed at the Daily Mail and General Trust offices in London on Thursday, 30 August. One shortlisted candidate whose interview could not take place will be interviewed at a later date.

The interviewing panels included senior managers and editors from the NCTJ, Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday, Press Association, Financial Times, Facebook and Bloomberg.

Bursaries were awarded to:

Kay Loveridge – Leeds Trinity University
Corey Bedford – The University of Sheffield
Lucy Frances Pegg – Nottingham Trent University
Dominic Penna – The University of Sheffield
Roxana Massoumi – News Associates London
Malachi Butt – News Associates London
Nicola Kenton – News Associates London
Cleo Anderson – Press Association Training
Olivia Noon – Press Association Training
Aina Khan – Press Association Training
Sharon Thiruchelvam – News Associates London

At their interviews, the candidates were questioned on their passion for journalism, financial need and diversity.

The fund was set up in 2005 with a donation of £100,000 from NLA media access, with the aim of encouraging more diverse people to train as journalists and making newsrooms better reflect the communities they serve.

Thanks to the financial support of the industry, we have awarded almost 300 bursaries since 2005.

So far in 2018, 41 bursaries have been awarded – a record number for the fund.

The fourth and final application round is open now, with a deadline of 7 November.

For further information, please contact Cecilia Judmann, events and training officer, on 01799 544945 or email cecilia.judmann@nctj.com.