NCTJ publishes Annual Report and Quality Assurance and Standards Committee Report

The NCTJ has today published its Annual Report and the Quality Assurance and Standards Committee Report 2023-24, highlighting the charity’s impact and commitment to quality, trust and diversity in journalism over the past year.

This year’s Annual Report underscores the NCTJ’s dedication to attracting, qualifying, and developing outstanding journalists from all walks of life.

Joanne Forbes, NCTJ chief executive, says the year has been one of “growth, innovation, and unwavering dedication” to the NCTJ’s mission to develop outstanding journalists who “uphold the highest professional standards in support of a well-informed democratic society.”

She says the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into journalism has been a major focus, with the Journalism Skills Academy (JSA) launching programmes to equip journalists with the tools to “leverage AI responsibly and effectively,” culminating in a landmark event at Reuters. The JSA has also expanded its offerings to address key skills needs such as data journalism, election reporting, business and financial journalism, and editorial leadership.

Supporting the safety and resilience of journalists remains critical, with new training resources tackling challenges like online harassment and physical threats. Partnerships with industry leaders continues to strengthen the NCTJ’s ability to provide cutting-edge events, training, and resources.

Looking forward, the report outlines the NCTJ’s strategy to concentrate on three key priorities:

• Deepen engagement with AI through curriculum development, industry collaboration, and thought leadership, ensuring journalists are prepared to navigate its opportunities and challenges.
• Expand the reach of the Journalism Skills Academy, providing high-quality, relevant training that meets the evolving needs of the media industry and beyond.
• Grow the NCTJ’s accreditation scheme, working with educational institutions to meet the demand for NCTJ-qualified journalists and maintain the highest standards of training.

In her first report for the charity, Sue Brooks, appointed chair at the end of September, highlights the importance of quality journalism in a complex global landscape marked by elections, conflicts, and the rise of AI.

Sue Brooks

Sue also makes special mention of the ongoing success of the Journalism Diversity Fund, which has awarded nearly 600 bursaries since 2005 to aspiring journalists from disadvantaged backgrounds. She believes diversity in journalism is essential for maintaining public trust and, reflecting on her own career, says it was made possible by the NCTJ, urges the profession to become more accessible. “How can we expect our viewers and readers to trust us if they don’t recognise us?” she asks, reinforcing the importance of ensuring journalists better reflect the communities they serve.

Click here to read the NCTJ’s annual report 2023-24.

The Quality Assurance and Standards Committee report, also published today, highlights exam success, as well as challenges.

Exam results in 2023-24 were broadly in line with previous years and take up of modules such as data journalism and videojournalism for digital platforms has increased. However, the committee noted concerns about the number of learners opting to take shorthand and court reporting.

In the report, Jonathan Baker, chair of the QA&S Committee, commended the NCTJ’s adaptability. He said: “The NCTJ remains determined to stay on the front foot in its response to the opportunities and challenges presented by the development of artificial intelligence.”

He added: “The committee congratulated the entire NCTJ team for its work and its continued dedication to excellence.”

Click here to read the Quality Assurance and Standards Committee Report 2023-24.