Bursary recipients

Alanah Hammond will begin her NCTJ training at News Associates in September on their Manchester-based, fast-track multimedia journalism course for 22 weeks.

Alanah, who was recognised by award bodies for her student newspaper articles, has been working at BBC York as a freelance Broadcast Journalist during university but is looking forward to getting her NCTJ qualification.

Growing up in Newcastle, Alanah brings diversity to a newsroom with her northern roots, but she is also experienced in stories about neurodivergent individuals.

Alice Padgett is an eager journalist studying the fast-track NCTJ Diploma in Multimedia Journalism at News Associates in London.

Living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder means she brings diversity into the newsroom and with a large facial scar, she wants to prove that people can have facial differences in media.

She has lived in rural Dorset all her life and has spent the last year experience presenting her own show at KeeP106 Radio and doing production work at BBC Solent Dorset. Alice hopes to sharpen her broadcasting skills at News Associates in September.

Benedict will be studying the MA News Journalism course at Cardiff University from September 2024.

While studying BA History at the University of Exeter, Benedict gained experience in journalism at the Sun Newspaper and as Features Editor on his student newspaper. Benedict has interviewed high-profile MPs and led a campaign on type 1 diabetes which led to changes. The course will now allow Benedict to expand upon the experiences he has gained.

He will bring diversity to the newsroom by continuing to raise awareness of social issues which affect those who are underrepresented and will continue to campaign through newswriting for those with long-term health conditions.

Camay Davis Mcauley is a 23-year old graduate with a bubbly, outgoing and magnetic personality. She loves travelling, cooking and baking and writing. She is considered an extrovert by her friends, and someone who loves a good time, and can talk to pretty much anyone. She’s passionate about issues such as politics and social issues, and doesn’t shy away from giving opinions.

She received a 2:1 BA in Journalism from the University of Sussex. She is looking to further her journalism career with the NCTJ qualification. Her dream role is to become a broadcast journalist, later on to become an investigative journalist.

Charlotte Reck is from a working-class community in Teesside. She relocated to Manchester where she achieved a BA in film and media studies. Charlotte worked in retail and hospitality before becoming an English specialist teaching assistant for pupils with special educational needs. Later, Charlotte trained to be an English teacher.

After working in classrooms, Charlotte set up an online tuition company that allowed her to develop her skill and discipline in writing while travelling the world and earning a living.

Charlotte will be studying her NCTJ at News Associates Manchester. She intends to produce high-quality, provocative journalism that seeks to be a voice for those who feel powerless.

Emmanuel Etim is a Sports Broadcast Journalist, and Match Day Commentator from Nigeria.

He made a significant impact with the sports team “FATG” on Nigeria Info FM, that revolutionized radio commentary. In 2023 he received the Sports Icon Award for his innovative approach. He lent his commentary voice to the FIFA+ original “Nigeria – The Debut,” which won Best Documentary at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

Emmanuel has secured a place at News Associates for the NCTJ Diploma in Multimedia Sports Journalism, starting in September 2024 in Manchester. He intends to bring inclusive storytelling to the newsroom, amplifying diverse voices.

Fiona is an aspiring journalist from East London passionate about exploring untold stories and political and social justice issues through her writing.

Following her undergraduate degree in Religious Studies and English Literature at Edinburgh University, Fiona has spent the past two years working in lobbying at a visual impairment charity. She feels passionately about social mobility, disability rights, and inclusivity in the newsroom and brings her own experiences to the table to champion this.

Fiona will begin an NCTJ Diploma at Glasgow Clyde College in August and is thrilled to have support from the Journalism Diversity Fund to do this.

Hassan is a TV freelancer with a background in unscripted development and live studio. He will start the NCTJ Diploma in Multimedia Journalism at News Associates in October.

Being of both Lebanese and Indo-Guyanese heritage, Hassan hopes to bring diversity to newsrooms through a combination of different cultural and religious perspectives. His father sought refuge in Britain during the Lebanese Civil War, and his mother’s Indian family came to the UK from Guyana, as part of the Windrush generation, so he is passionate about the representation of marginalised voices in the media.

Holly Watson will complete a journalism master’s degree at Ulster Univeristy. This NCTJ accredited course provides a dual qualification including a NCTJ Diploma in Journalism. Holly is from a working-class background and resides in Greenisland, Northern Ireland.

She lives in a multi-generational household and helps care for her Grandmother who has Alzheimer’s Disease. As Hollys father unexpectedly passed away during her undergraduate degree she moved home to support her family.

Holly choose to study journalism as she wants to give a voice to those is her community who were often overlooked and to empower people to tell their stories.

Jordan is set to study the NCTJ-accredited fast-track multimedia journalism diploma with News Associates in Manchester. He was previously the News Editor and Deputy Editor of his university’s student newspaper and has built his skills as a freelance reporter covering Formula 1 and its junior championships.

Jordan is a first-generation and state-educated student from a working-class background in Stoke-on-Trent. Following a cancer diagnosis in his early twenties, Jordan has lived with a life-long disability. With a strong interest in political and societal affairs in the UK.

Jordan hopes that his experiences will bring a unique perspective to any newsroom.

Lucinda was Editor-in-Chief for the University of Nottingham’s student magazine ‘Impact’. Whilst Editor, she was ‘Highly Commended’ for two Student Publication Association Awards in the ‘Best Feature’ and ‘Best Interview’ categories. She is one of ten finalists for The Guardian Foundation’s Hugo Young Award for Political Opinion Writing 2024.

Lucinda has been accepted to study Multimedia Journalism at News Associates, London.

Whilst editing ‘Impact’, Lucinda sought to ensure students of all backgrounds felt comfortable contributing to the magazine, and well-represented by its content. She endeavors to take this approach into all her future newsroom experiences.

Olivia is excited to be starting the NCTJ fast-track Multimedia Journalism Diploma at News Associates in London.

In 2022 Olivia graduated from Durham University with First Class Honours in English Literature, and continued her studies at Durham to graduate in 2024 with an MA in English Literary Studies. She is thrilled to have received the funding and mentorship from NCTJ to help her pursue a career in journalism.

Olivia will bring diversity to the newsroom because she is committed to using her experiences to inspire people from all backgrounds to speak boldly, and confidently, on issues close to their hearts.

Ryan is studying a Journalism MA at the Ulster University, his passion for journalism developed whilst studying his undergraduate degree at Queen’s University Belfast where he became a member of Queen’s Radio writing for the written media platform The Scoop, where he became Sport Editor for the 2023/24 semester.

He is also a content writer for Finn Harps Football Club contributing to the club’s media team. Living with a chronic illness he brings that lived experience and also being from Strabane a heavily working class area he brings a perspective on life based on empathy and compassion for others.

Sam will be studying my NCTJ at the London News Associates Centre.

He is passionate about current affairs and political journalism, with a particular focus on North American politics! Through his lived experience with frontonasal dysplasia, Sam looks to bring diversity through my unique experiences and advocation for those with facial differences.

Sam is excited to gain more experience across the journalism field and gain skills through the NCTJ to take into account future career.

Anna Kane is a passionate advocate for disability rights and an ambitious journalist from Loughguile near Armoy.

Anna will be attending Ulster University to study an MA in Journalism starting in September 2024. This is after she obtained a first class honours degree in her undergraduate. degree.

Born with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, a condition affecting movement due to brain damage at birth, Anna’s passion for writing and advocacy inspired her to pursue a career in journalism. She aspires to a career in journalism focusing on stories that centres around people that give a voice to those who feel unheard.

Damilola Kusoro is an aspiring journalist embarking on an exciting journey to earn an NCTJ Diploma in Journalism at PA Media, thanks to a bursary from the Journalism Diversity Fund (JDF).

He will master modules in shorthand, Essential Journalism, Media Law, Court Reporting, Public Affairs, and Production, while completing a portfolio of published work. As the founder of No Stylist Society, a fashion outlet that has grown to 100,000 followers, Damilola brings a unique perspective to the newsroom. His diverse background and entrepreneurial spirit will enrich journalistic storytelling, ensuring diverse voices and stories are represented.

Emma Hackman will be completing the  NCTJ- accredited fast-track multimedia journalism course with News Associates. 

She is passionate about research after recently studying Applied Biosciences at Coventry University followed by work experience at Heart Radio in Milton Keynes.

She aims to make a positive impact and will bring diversity by representing marginalised communities and young black voices within media.

Halimah Nisa is looking forward to starting the NCTJ-accredited Journalism MA at the University of Kingston this September. As an undergraduate at the University of Sheffield, Halimah started her own newsletter – she creates her own opportunities and thinks outside the box. This means she will bring creative diversity, as well as physical diversity, to the newsroom environment.

A work experience opportunity with ITN in March 2024 cemented her love for Journalism; she has since worked as a runner for ITV on election night, and is very much looking forward to working with them as a logger for the Paris Olympics.

Carolyn NìChonbhaì is set to start an MA in Journalism: Broadcast at the University of Salford.

Aspiring to a career in investigative journalism, politics, and foreign correspondence, Carolyn is dedicated to uncovering truths and amplifying marginalized voices. Coming from a working-class immigrant family, she developed a keen interest in
politics early on.

Her work with non-profits has honed her ability to distill complex issues into accessible narratives. As a neurodivergent individual with a fine art background, she brings unique perspectives and creativity to journalism.

Kian will be undertaking the NCTJ diploma in Multimedia Journalism at News Associates London.

As a care leaver, Kian will diversify the newsroom by bringing awareness to the stories of vulnerable young people. He hopes to encourage more people with care-experience to pursue a career in the media and creative arts. 

Travis is an aspiring music and entertainment broadcast journalist from Shropshire. He is studying a diploma in journalism at Liverpool city college, Travis is looking to further develop his journalistic abilities and skills.

Travis strives to bring diversity into music and entertainment journalism as growing up being Black British and from a lower income household he felt underrepresented in the broadcasting and journalism industry when it came to alternative music genres straying away from the stereotypical genres of rap and hip-hop.

Daniel is studying a Journalism MA at Portsmouth University. His work history is varied ranging from retail management, medical administration and the film industry.

Daniel has recently completed work experience at Newsquest writing several articles for their online website as well as having some published. He wrote an article highlighting the work of an award winning black doctor in his local area, bringing attention to the Black Healthcare awards.

Daniel sees journalism as the avenue to tell the stories of the underrepresented in society and hold those in power to account.

Gareth is studying for an MA in Journalism from the Ulster University following the completion of his undergraduate degree earlier this year.

His undergraduate degree as well as his employment in public affairs have given him insight into local politics and he hopes to use this to write about issues affecting the most vulnerable in society.

Gareth has a chronic illness and as a result is currently on the waiting list for a liver transplant. He would like to increase the visibility and awareness of issues relating to this and specifically would like to highlight the world of transplant sport.

Isabelle Rodney is an eager journalist who will start her fast-track NCTJ diploma at PA Media in London this September. 

Having started her journalistic pursuits at the University of Nottingham’s student-run magazine, Impact and later becoming the Head of Lifestyle in her final year, Isabelle now works as a freelance journalist at the Daily Express and recently took part in the Guardian’s multi-department scheme in August. 

As a biracial woman passionate about bringing diversity to newsrooms, Isabelle is committed to giving a voice to marginalized communities through impactful and compelling narratives. She aspires to a career in investigative journalism.

Layla had a nose for news from a young age, taking part in free journalism workshops before reading English at Oxford as the first generation in her family to go to university. She has since been involved in student media, community radio and content creation on her environmental blog.

Layla will begin her remote NCTJ with News Associates in November while she works full-time, and aims to unite different ethnic communities through green stories with the support of the JDF.

She will bring an inclusive spirit of adventure to the newsroom as a friend and journalist in the outdoors.

In her final year at the University of York, Nadia was Editor-in-Chief of the broadsheet paper ‘Nouse’. She also co-hosted and produced the inaugural news radio show ‘NouseCast’. Nadia’s work on the paper led to her shortlist for ‘Outstanding Commitment to Student Media’ at the Love York Awards.

Nadia fortified her passion for multimedia journalism during her internship at The Guardian on their Positive Action Scheme, where she co-produced episodes for the Pop Culture podcast.

She is dedicated to amplifying marginalised voices and diversifying media representation.

Livvy Mason-Myhill is a recent recipient of the Journalism Diversity Fund which has greatly helped towards funding her Fast-Track Multimedia Journalism course at News Associates in their London offices.

She is incredibly pleased and excited for this opportunity which would not be possible without the help of the Journalism Diversity Fund.

Livvy brings diversity to a newsroom through her experiences coming from a low-income background alongside being brought up by an inspirational single mother. She is an extremely curious and driven trainee journalist who has a passionate commitment to the transformative power of storytelling.

Rosie is an aspiring investigative journalist with a love of features and international reporting, due to begin her part-time NCTJ at News Associates in November.

She previously received the Guardian Foundation’s Hugo Young Award for political opinion writing and is a Centre for Investigative Journalism Lyra Mckee Fellow.

As a gay disabled woman, Rosie can bring diversity to newsrooms in multiple ways and is excited to amplify diverse and disabled voices in the places that need them most

Tee is a dynamic social media content producer, presenter, and aspiring journalist at Bauer Media. She creates engaging content for Heat and Closer magazines, as well as KISS FM.

Known for her vibrant presence, Tee presents and interviews at music events, movie premieres, and other high-profile occasions. Passionate about advocating for underrepresented groups, Tee is dedicated to diversifying journalism and aspires to be an all-around entertainment journalist, covering everything from music to sports.

She documents her career journey to inspire others, aiming to make a lasting impact in the industry.

HG is a working class journalist with independent media site the Canary. She has also written for numerous other news publications including the Guardian, Novara Media, Huffpost, and the Independent. In 2022, she completed the Canary’s Amplify journalism training scheme for underrepresented voices in the media. Now, she brings her own experiences of marginalisation into her work reporting on a wide variety of social justice issues. In particular, she wants to bring a compassionate, empathetic lens to stories on trauma, homelessness, and addiction. Her love of people and penguins has also led her to champion climate justice through her journalism. During the 2024 general election, she was proud to report live from a count as a journalist in independent media.

In September, she begins her MA in Journalism at Portsmouth University, where she hopes to hone her skills, so she can continue to fight the oppressions and uplift communities the media too often ignores.

Charlotte graduated from the University of Manchester in 2023 with a BA in English Literature and French, spending a year in Paris studying at Sorbonne University. She is studying the Fast-Track NCTJ Diploma in Multimedia Journalism at News Associates in Manchester, for 22 weeks starting in September. 

As a lesbian from a working-class background, Charlotte is eager to represent this under-represented group in the newsroom.

Charlotte has recently completed work experience at The Lancashire Telegraph and is completing ongoing work experience at ITV for their Gateway to TV: Entry Level Essentials programme.

Amelia is originally from Dorset but is now based in the North East, having graduated from Durham University in 2023 with a BA in Politics. During her time at Durham, she was the founding Head of Broadcasting for PalTV, where she developed the station and contributed to grassroots student journalism.

In March, Amelia will begin the News Associates Part-Time Multimedia Journalism Course in London. Her working-class rural roots, experience volunteering in cancer rehabilitation through sailing, and journey as a cancer survivor shape her perspective. As an LGBTQ+ individual with ADHD, she values diversity, collaboration, and lifelong learning.

James is a 22-year-old aspiring investigative journalist from East London.

Starting in February 2025, he will be working towards the fast-track NCTJ Diploma in Multimedia Journalism at News Associates. James is currently in his final year of BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the University of Exeter.

As well as being published in Metro – the most widely circulated national newspaper, James writes for Exeposé and his own website. As a second-generation immigrant from social housing, James aims to give a voice to the disenfranchised and combat media bias surrounding working class issues.

An enquiring and investigative trainee journalist, Becca Healy has experience running two successful cultural blogs, volunteering for community radio and writing for the Yorkshire Post.

Starting her NCTJ training at Twickenham News Associates, she hopes to develop her journalistic skills and learn from studying the NCTJ diploma.

As a former young carer from a low-income background, Becca brings economic diversity to the newsroom, alongside the wealth of life experience that comes from losing a parent at a young age. Her experiences as a bisexual woman with chronic illness has led her to find her own voice and promote diverse stories.

Sheldon is from a working-class background, with an unorthodox education.

He belongs to several diverse communities, from being disabled to being a part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Completing his HND in Journalism in 2024, he will now be embarking on the NCTJ fast-track Diploma in Journalism at Glasgow Clyde College in January.

He plans to use his diverse experience to follow his journalistic interests in foreign affairs and politics, where he hopes to give a voice to minority communities often forgotten. It is this diversity which he will bring to the newsroom, thanks to the opportunity provided by the JDF.

Zena Morris will be starting the NCTJ Level 5 Diploma course at the City of Liverpool College.

She hopes to bring diversity to the newsroom by making sure that there is a fair and honest representation, bringing varied and diverse perspectives, and increasing public trust in journalism.