Highlighting Muslim voices in journalism: Aziz Foundation and JDF partnership empowers aspiring journalists
As Eid approaches, the NCTJ is highlighting the ongoing partnership between the Journalism Diversity Fund (JDF) and the Aziz Foundation, which supports aspiring journalists from British Muslim backgrounds.
Since 2021, the Aziz Foundation has awarded specialist bursaries to help JDF recipients who identify as British Muslim complete their NCTJ journalism training.
The Aziz Foundation is a family-run charitable foundation, offering scholarships and grants to tackle underrepresentation and promote positive change.
Rahima Aziz, an Aziz Foundation trustee, said: “The Aziz Foundation is proud to support the NCTJ’s Journalism Diversity Fund in our shared mission to address the underrepresentation of marginalised communities in journalism.
“The professional development provided by the NCTJ is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring journalists to take the next step in their careers, break barriers and build up their networks.”
Among those awarded the specialist bursary is Nadia Sayed, who recently completed her NCTJ gold standard diploma at News Associates London. She said that, coming from a working-class background, education fees have always felt like a huge barrier to entering the industry- impossible for her to have afforded without the support of the JDF and Aziz Foundation.
In addition to financial assistance, it has also offered community and representation for the wider group of British Muslims:
“As a young Muslim woman, I have carried around a looming sense of imposter syndrome and felt like I didn’t belong in the industry, a feeling I think is exacerbated by the media’s lack of diversity and representation.
“However, through the JDF and Aziz Foundation’s active encouragement and support of people like me, I have felt more confident and supported to enter the industry, and this has refuelled my passion to pursue a career in journalism.”
Fellow bursary recipient Murthaza Ali-Hassan, who received funding in 2023 and now works at BESTmag, said the bursary had provided valuable community and connection.
Murthaza said: “I’ve had really good experiences as a Muslim in this industry so far, but there are also so many challenges, and we need more people to come forward and join the industry. The Aziz Foundation are brilliant in supporting young journalists, especially in the early stages of our careers. So, alhamdulillah that we have anything like the Aziz Foundation.”
Nikki Akinola, senior diversity and inclusion co-ordinator at the NCTJ, said: “Highlighting the importance of Muslim journalists in the media empowers communities, promotes greater participation, and reinforces the idea that people from all backgrounds can excel in journalism.
“Supporting Muslim students through the JDF has been instrumental in championing their contributions, raising their profiles, and ensuring they receive the visibility they deserve.”
The next application deadline for the Journalism Diversity Fund is 30 April. For more information and the full schedule, visit: https://www.nctj.com/journalism-diversity-fund/
You can hear more from Nadia and Murthaza on their experiences through content we’ll be sharing on the NCTJ’s social media channels this week.
