NCTJ welcomes government recognition of journalism’s role in democracy but urges action to protect education pathways

The NCTJ has welcomed the government’s response to the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee’s report on media literacy, which acknowledges that “trusted journalism and strong media literacy are essential to a healthy democracy.”

The committee recommended stronger cross-government coordination, clearer leadership on media literacy and that the upcoming local media strategy recognises the crucial role of journalism in supporting media literacy. In its response, the government confirmed the creation of a cross-departmental working group and stated that the strategy will be published by the end of 2025, reflecting the importance of news provision for media literacy in society.

However, in response to the NCTJ Save Quality Journalism Education campaign, the government confirmed that journalism has been removed from the list of subjects eligible for targeted Strategic Priorities Grant (SPG) funding. This decision does not reflect the government’s stated support for journalism and news provision. The campaign highlights the impact of these changes on access to training that equips future journalists with the skills and ethical foundations needed to deliver trusted reporting, which is essential for a healthy democratic society.

Joanne Forbes, NCTJ chief executive, said: “We welcome the government’s recognition that journalism and media literacy are vital for democracy. But recent cuts to funding for journalism courses in higher education risk limiting access to the skills and training needed to produce trusted, quality journalism.

“Government must ensure that the upcoming local media strategy protects and enhances all pathways into quality journalism education. Journalism should be open to people from all backgrounds, and wider pathways help break down barriers and ensure that our future newsrooms better reflect the communities they serve.”

The NCTJ is calling for an urgent meeting with the Minister for Skills, Jacqui Smith, to discuss concrete measures to safeguard and expand access to quality journalism training across all education pathways.

For further information, visit www.nctj.com/save-quality-journalism-education.