NCTJ welcomes House of Lords report backing more support for journalism training and diversity

The NCTJ has welcomed the Future of News report’s call for government to seek partnership funding for journalism training schemes in the local news sector.

The House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee, in a report released today, acknowledges that “support for entry-level schemes to attract and train diverse talent…is a further way to alleviate newsroom costs without unduly distorting market dynamics.”

The committee goes on to suggest that such support could “build on the previous Community News Project delivered at arms-length by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).”

Joanne Forbes, NCTJ chief executive said: “We are delighted that the Future of News report has recognised the success of the Community News Project (CNP), and the need for government to support us in seeking partnership funding to secure training opportunities for more prospective journalists – especially as we recently announced a new phase of the CNP.

“As the report notes, the news industry faces ongoing economic and structural challenges. Support for training schemes – including apprenticeships – is a proven way to ease some of the pressures faced by publishers, without impinging on market dynamics or raising questions about the media’s independence from government.

“The committee’s support for schemes that promote diversity is also hugely important. The NCTJ knows from experience that proactive steps are required to make a difference, which is why our work via the Journalism Diversity Fund remains vital, and why we have sought out diverse talent through the successful Community News Project. Our careers, outreach and mentoring activities also help to develop future talent from a wide range of backgrounds.

“We’re glad too that the committee has recognised that the responsible use of AI offers a valuable opportunity to the news media sector. The NCTJ has already developed training resources in this area and is working with partners in industry and the education sector to ensure training continues to meet the needs of modern newsrooms – and that ethical good practice remains at the heart of all journalistic activity.

“We look forward to continuing our dialogue with government on these critical issues affecting our industry. We call on the government to ensure that substantial support for training and skills-development schemes will be forthcoming, so that the journalism sector receives the same robust backing that has long benefited other areas of the creative industries.”

The report comes as the NCTJ undertakes a recruitment exercise for a new cohort of six community reporters, and following the establishment by the NCTJ of the new Community Reporting Fund.

This fund – which the NCTJ is seeking to grow in partnership with external supporters – will provide grant-funding for the new phase of the CNP, and for subsequent training schemes, with a particular focus on regional news media.

Making journalism careers and training more accessible has been a key priority for the NCTJ for many years. Since 2005, the Journalism Diversity Fund has financially supported nearly 600 people from diverse backgrounds, enabling them to complete professional NCTJ qualifications. And since 2019, the Community News Project has provided training and work opportunities to over 280 people, 75 per cent of who met one or more diversity criteria set at the project’s outset.

The House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee is chaired by Baroness Stowell of Beeston.

Launching the report, she said: “The future of news matters. Accurate and well-informed news creates the shared understanding of facts which is so important to our democratic system.”