News & blog

It has meant the world to me to be given an opportunity to stand with those young people that feel they aren't good enough.

"Reflecting upon the ghastly historic coverage of my community, one thing rings true: words have power. And by proxy, the press has the power to influence public opinion. As a journalist, I consider it my duty to play my role in the drive for positive social change."

A charity champion has described how her relationship with a community news reporter has really made an impact within the black community and helped instil trust in the media.

"I saw the Facebook community journalism project as an exciting initiative that was looking to put local communities at the heart of regional news, something I have been immensely proud to have been part of."

"I’ve always believed that everyone has a story to tell, often more than one, and I wanted to help showcase those voices through my writing."

Before starting my NCTJ apprenticeship, my hopes of becoming a journalist had been left on the back burner.

'During my time as a journalist, I’ve written stories which have made people laugh, made people cry, educated some people and made some people angry at me - but what is being a journalist without a messy combination of all those things?'

As Journalism Matters week begins today, the NCTJ is proud to support the campaign by highlighting the impact Community News Project reporters are having in their communities.

Rebecca Beardmore, community reporter with the Blackpool Gazette, has compiled a diary of a week in her life – highlighting how she is juggling work commitments with her Diploma in Journalism studies, while simultaneously working from home during the coronavirus pandemic and looking after three children.