“It means so much to me to get this funding” says Journalism Diversity Fund recipient

The Journalism Diversity Fund has helped a further eight people kick-start their career in journalism.
The promising students have all been awarded a bursary, which will contribute towards course and examination fees, living expenses and travel.

Vicky Amaning, Natricia Duncan, Kirsten Elder, Leonora Houston, John May, Natasha Millar, Jane Renton and Andrew Watson will study NCTJ-accredited courses at Belfast Metropolitan College, Brunel University, Kingston University, News Associates, Nottingham Trent University, Press Association, University of Ulster and Up to Speed Journalism Training.

Andrew, 23, from Aberdeen, said: “It means so much to me to get this funding as it will help my career, and I am looking forward to meeting a diverse variety of people during my training, all with similar interests to myself.”

Interviews for the fund took place at the Financial Times on Friday, 12 August. Panel members comprised of industry experts including: Craig Bloomfield, features editor TalkSPORT.co.uk; Henry Bonsu, director and presenter, Colourful Radio;  Vijay Sharma, head of BBC Asian Network; Andy Veale, group editor, Archant; and Charlene White, journalist and ITV newsreader.

Applications for the next round of bursaries are now being accepted and the deadline is 21 October 2011.