More than 100 gather for NCTJ’s Inclusion in Journalism conference 2026

Journalism students joined alumni, educators and industry representatives to talk inclusion and opportunity at an annual NCTJ event today.  

More than 100 delegates joined the NCTJ’s Inclusion in Journalism conference on 6 November, which was held in partnership with Sky at its Osterley headquarters and celebrates the successes of the Journalism Diversity Fund (JDF).  

The schedule included sessions on representation in sports journalism and reporting under pressure, as well as interactive workshops on OSINT and digital storytelling.  

Opening the conference, NCTJ chief executive Joanne Forbes said: “We have journalists at every stage of their careers, alongside students, educators, mentors and supporters. 

“People bringing different experiences and perspectives, and a shared commitment to making journalism better. 

“The future of journalism isn’t just about maintaining quality or building trust. 

“It’s also about who gets the opportunity to be part of it. And that’s why we’re here today.” 

Mark Alford, director at Sky Sports News, told the audience: “Across my two decades in newsrooms, journalism has changed enormously. The way we gather news has changed. The way audiences consume it has changed. The platforms we use have changed.

“But one thing hasn’t changed.

“The best journalism comes from understanding people. Understanding their experiences, their concerns, what matters to them and the world they live in.

“And that’s why diversity and inclusion matter so much.”

2026 marks the NCTJ’s 75th anniversary, and it is also the year in which the NCTJ reached a milestone for its Journalism Diversity Fund, recording 700 bursaries awarded since its inception in 2005.  

The NCTJ’s JDF bursaries support people from diverse backgrounds who need help funding their NCTJ journalism training. The support can cover the costs of studying on an accredited course. 

Recipients are also paired with a working journalist to mentor them throughout their studies. 

Speaking on a panel entitled Changing the Game – Representation in Sports Journalism, journalist and producer Sammy Mncwabe said: “It’s ensuring that when I leave the room, I leave the door wide open for the next person, because for me, it’s a relay.”

Other panellists included Laura Howard, former JDF bursary recipient and multimedia content producer at Sportsbeat, and Andy Thompson, senior news editor at Sky Sports News. It was chaired by Jo Osborne, head of women’s sport at Sky Sports.

NCTJ patron Alex Crawford led a session called Journalism on the Frontline – Reporting Under Pressure. She spoke to Lisa Bradley, professor of journalism education at the University of Sheffield; Maria Breslin, editorial director at the Mirror; and Sadiya Chowdhury, correspondent at Sky News.

On the realities of reporting under pressure, Lisa said: “It isn’t our job as educators to teach you to be fearless, but it is our job to teach you how to be prepared.”

A digital storytelling interactive workshop was held by two Sky Sports journalists – Andy Gill, head of social media and audience development, and Jamie Hunt, head of digital. Sky News’ OSINT producer Annoa Abekah-Mensah ran another on her expertise.

Sky News’ Midlands correspondent Shamaan Freeman-Powell also interviewed Gareth Barlow, Sky News journalist and presenter, about his career.

On tackling the abuse of journalists, Gareth said: “I feel quite a responsibility to show them that it’s not going to be tolerated. We will push back.”

Find out more about how to support the JDF or apply for a bursary here.