NCTJ launches latest Diversity in Journalism report at 2025 Inclusion in Journalism conference

The NCTJ has published its latest Diversity in Journalism report, revealing the state of representation across the journalism workforce and highlighting the progress still needed. The report was launched at the 2025 Inclusion in Journalism conference, underlining the importance of diversity as a core issue for the industry.

The analysis of the 2024 diversity data, shows both areas of improvement and ongoing challenges. While some positive changes have been recorded, journalists remain more likely than the wider workforce to come from professional homes, demonstrating that social class remains a particular area of concern and the work industry must do to ensure that people from all backgrounds have fair access to careers in journalism.

While some improvements have been recorded, the data reveals that journalists continue to be more likely than the wider workforce to come from professional homes. Showing that social class remains a particular area of concern and the work industry must do to ensure that people from all backgrounds have fair access to careers in journalism.

Joanne Forbes, chief executive of the NCTJ, said: “Trusted journalism is vital to our democracy and to understanding the world around us. It is essential that journalists reflect the society on which they report. Sadly, this report shows that we are not there yet.

“There are no easy answers to the question of how to attract and retain talented people from disadvantaged or underrepresented groups, nor to how we can change deep-rooted cultural and structural barriers within the industry. If we want journalism to be relevant, representative and trusted, we must meet it head on.

“This is not a task for any single organisation. It requires all of us – employers, educators, funders and policymakers – to work together to open access, support early careers and ensure fair opportunities for progression.”

The NCTJ continues to support equality of opportunity through initiatives including the Journalism Diversity Fund, which over two decades has helped more than 600 aspiring journalists to train and enter the industry. With continued support from partners, it aims to award its 700th bursary in 2026.

The Diversity in Journalism report is part of an ongoing programme of research to provide the industry with up-to-date labour market information about journalism. Read the full report here.