NCTJ expands ambassador programme to champion quality, trust and diversity in journalism
Sixteen new NCTJ ambassadors have been appointed.
The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) has announced a significant expansion of its ambassador programme, welcoming new voices to promote quality, trust and diversity in journalism and inspire aspiring journalists across the UK.
The announcement was made at the NCTJ’s Summer Reception, hosted by Dow Jones and News UK in London to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Journalism Diversity Fund.
The newly appointed ambassadors are:
- Jonathan Addai, BBC apprentice journalist
- Cynthia Ajayi, communications officer
- Jasmine DuFraisse, freelance multimedia journalist
- Eleri Griffiths, journalist, BBC Wales News Online
- James Harrison, freelance homepage editor and news reporter, Yahoo News UK
- Sanjana Idnani, journalist, BBC Wales News
- Shannon McGuigan, news reporter, MailOnline
- Jennifer McKiernan, political reporter, BBC Millbank
- Zeenia Naqvee, freelance journalist
- George Palmer-Soady, trainee reporter, Nottinghamshire Live
- Katey Pigden, content director, Octo Members
- Kate Relton, reporter, Westmorland Gazette
- Caroline Robinson, early careers apprentice, BBC
- Lisa Valentine, digital reporter, Newsquest
- Conor Wilson, reporter, Daily Express
The expanded team of 37 ambassadors will attend careers fairs and speak publicly for the charity, showcasing the diverse pathways into journalism and the wide range of opportunities within journalism.
The ambassadors demonstrate the diverse routes into journalism, from apprenticeships and higher education to programmes like the Community News Project. All NCTJ-qualified, they represent different specialities within the profession and work across various areas of the UK. Some have been supported by the Journalism Diversity Fund (JDF), while others have been recognised at the NCTJ’s Awards for Excellence.
Katey Pigden
Speaking about becoming an ambassador, Katey Pigden said: “It’s an honour to have been selected as an NCTJ ambassador.
“As a former recipient of the Journalism Diversity Fund, I owe my career to the NCTJ. The need for high-quality, accurate, ethical journalism has never been greater.”
Zeenia Naqvee said: “I’m delighted to represent the NCTJ. Without receiving support from the Journalism Diversity Fund, I wouldn’t be where I am today and would love to pay this forward.”
Sanjana Idnani, who won the NCTJ’s level 7 apprentice of the year award 2024, said: “I learnt so much from my time doing my NQJ qualification with the NCTJ.
Sanjana Idnani at the NCTJ Awards for Excellence – Jon Parker Lee photography
“I’m so happy to have the opportunity to share why journalism is such a brilliant and exciting industry and how the NCTJ can help you tell the stories in the best way possible.”
Kate Relton added: “I am honoured to be joining the ambassador team. The NCTJ was the first organisation where my circumstances were celebrated as my strongest attribute rather than a barrier to success. I am excited to show the next generation that their voice has a place in the industry, no matter their background.”
This expansion reflects the NCTJ’s ongoing commitment to promoting quality training while ensuring journalism reflects the communities it serves.
Sarah Rix, head of marketing and communications at the NCTJ said: “This expansion comes at a particularly meaningful time as we celebrate 20 years of the Journalism Diversity Fund. These ambassadors champion our core values of quality, trust and diversity. They will be invaluable in demonstrating that there are many paths into this profession and that quality training opens doors to so many opportunities.”
The ambassadors are available for careers events and speaking opportunities. For more information about booking ambassadors, visit: https://www.nctj.com/work-with-nctj/our-ambassadors/
