NCTJ partners with CNN and Journalists’ Charity to offer exclusive paid internships for Journalism Diversity Fund recipients

Four aspiring journalists are taking their first steps into a world-leading newsroom, after being selected for a six-month paid internships at CNN London.

Carolyn Conway, Charlotte Reck, Lucinda Dodd and Alanah Hammond are all recipients of the NCTJ’s Journalism Diversity Fund (JDF), which provides bursaries to help people from underrepresented backgrounds break into the industry.

The internships, which included a one-month training and development programme, are supported by the JDF and the First Jobs Fund to help cover the costs that can often be a barrier to entering journalism—including accommodation, travel, living and relocation expenses.

Selected from twenty-five applicants, the four interns stood out for their passion for storytelling, fresh ideas, and willingness to bring new voices into a fast-paced newsroom.

Features- Carolyn Conway. Carolyn is helping research and plan stories, write scripts and articles, and create features content across TV, digital and social platforms.

Newsdesk writing- Charlotte C. Charlotte is at the heart of the newsroom, securing compelling, interesting and relevant voices from across the world to give insight into the top stories of the day.

Planning- Lucinda Dodd. Lucinda is helping find and book guests for business shows, alongside newsgathering, forward planning and research.

Business news – Alanah Hammond. Alanah is assisting with curating CNN content across its digital platforms, including curating homepage headlines, creating push alerts and editing key landing pages.

Joanne Forbes, NCTJ chief executive, said: “We’re thrilled to see four talented JDF recipients take this important step in their journalism careers at CNN London.

“These internships provide invaluable experience and insight into working in a world-leading newsroom while removing financial barriers. We greatly value CNN’s continued dedication to opening pathways into the industry and are proud to continue our partnership this year to break down barriers to careers in journalism.”

Holly Day, internship manager at CNN said: “We developed this training program to provide greater access and opportunities for candidates who may have faced barriers in the past. The goal is to support growth and help build a more inclusive workplace.”

The JDF exists to help talented individuals who may have thought a career in journalism was out of reach. In 2021, CNN became a sponsor of the JDF, and this internship programme forms part of CNN and the NCTJ’s ongoing partnership to provide opportunities that widen access to a career in journalism.

For more information about the Journalism Diversity Fund and how to apply, visit https://www.nctj.com/journalism-diversity-fund/. Media organisations interested in supporting the fund can contact fundraising manager Erin Johnson on [email protected].