NCTJ and Warner Bros. Discovery partner to deliver WBD Press Academy

The NCTJ has partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) to deliver WBD Press Academy, a journalism training programme designed to provide opportunities for individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system.

Following a successful six-week pilot programme in 2024, the initiative was expanded for 2025, with a twelve-week course that took place this summer. Delivered remotely with two in-person sessions, the course offered participants the chance to study for the NCTJ’s Certificate in Foundation Journalism (CFJ) qualification. The programme has been designed to provide an introduction to journalism, build essential skills, and explore future career opportunities in the media.

Led by Ian Reeves, former journalism course leader at the University of Kent, the programme was designed to help individuals develop their writing, storytelling and communication skills in a supportive learning environment.

Raymond, who took part in the 2024 pilot alongside working at Inside Time, said: “I anticipated that this course would improve my ability to report on news stories. It certainly did that. It taught me the importance of accuracy and fact-checking, and the relevant legal requirements.

“More than that, I learnt other skills in interviewing, recording and editing video, and creating podcasts. I learnt about sports reporting and writing for and posting on websites. Being in a group was ideal as we worked as a team led by an excellent tutor. I believe I left the course far closer to being able to work as a journalist. It was hard work, but I enjoyed every minute. I believe people who take this course will end up as I did as a better writer and find doors open to them from that.”

Isaac, who took part in this year’s programme, said: “I found the course very insightful. Ian brought a wealth of knowledge, which helped me understand journalistic skills and the industry as a whole.”

Isaac is preparing to study the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism this year at Oxford Brookes University. He said that the CFJ has helped prepare him for this, adding: “I recognise how important the NCTJ is to the industry and my opportunities as a journalist.”

Joanne Forbes, NCTJ chief executive, said: “Journalism should be open to people from all backgrounds, and this programme is an important step in breaking down barriers for those who may not have previously considered it as a career.

“By equipping participants with introductory journalism skills and industry insight, we hope to inspire confidence and provide a platform for new voices to be heard.

“We’re proud to work with Warner Bros. Discovery on this initiative and hope to continue supporting people with lived experience of the criminal justice system to pursue opportunities in journalism.”

The WBD Press Academy forms part of WBD’s wider relationship with NCTJ. In 2021, CNN became a sponsor of the NCTJ’s Journalism Diversity Fund (JDF), and in 2024 partnered with the NCTJ on an innovative new scheme as part of recruitment for its internship programme to offer an alternative route into journalism for people without prior formal training.

In November 2024, CNN and the NCTJ jointly organised an equality, diversity and inclusion conference in London, bringing together journalists, students, trainers and media representatives from across the country to explore how the industry can build on efforts to improve diversity and inclusion while celebrating recipients of the JDF.