The publisher joins 13 other media organisations that support the fund including Reach plc, BBC and FT.
The announcement comes during the 15th anniversary year of the Journalism Diversity Fund, which over the years has supported an incredible 400 students from diverse backgrounds with NCTJ journalism training.
In addition to financial backing, News UK will provide candidates with the opportunity to be mentored by journalists, gaining editorial insight into how the operation works.
Daisy Dunlop, director of corporate affairs at News UK, said: “News UK is delighted to support the NCTJ’s Journalism Diversity Fund and to help aspiring journalists from every background to be able to get the training they need.
“Our newsrooms are keen to reflect the diversity of their readership and of the nation, and this funding and the mentorships will go some way to ensuring there are fewer barriers for anyone keen to pursue a career in journalism.”
Will Gore, the NCTJ’s head of partnerships and projects, added: “Back in February we launched a fundraising drive to mark the JDF’s 15th anniversary. And while this year has proved to be more challenging than anyone could have expected, I’m delighted that News UK has answered the call by agreeing to become a sponsor.
“If anything, the events of the last few months have only served to confirm the JDF’s importance in enabling people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to gain access to professional journalism training. News UK’s generous contribution to the fund, and the role its journalists will play as mentors, means we can do more to help the industry become as diverse as the audiences it serves.”
Journalism Diversity Fund bursaries are awarded four times per year and can help cover the costs of NCTJ course fees and/or living expenses.
Source: NCTJ
