Specialist Journalism Diversity Fund bursaries awarded to aspiring journalists
Five NCTJ students have been awarded specialist bursaries through the Journalism Diversity Fund (JDF) in partnership with the Aziz Foundation, Sky Sports News and PA Media, and the Thomas Read bursary scheme. These specialist awards provide targeted support to individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, offering not only financial assistance but also mentoring, networking and newsroom experience through our partners.
The bursaries were presented at the NCTJ Inclusion in Journalism Conference, hosted at Bloomberg in London.
Aziz Foundation bursaries
Three Journalism Diversity Fund recipients have been awarded bursaries through the Aziz Foundation, a family-run charitable organisation that supports JDF recipients from Muslim backgrounds.
From left to right: Samia, Ikraan, Naghma and Rahima
This year’s recipients are Naghma Arif, Ikraan Mohamed and Samia Uddin. Recipients receive additional networking and insight opportunities from the Aziz Foundation.
Naghma Arif said: “I’m delighted and deeply honoured to be awarded the Aziz Foundation bursary. This incredible support will bring me one step closer to fulfilling my dream of becoming a journalist – a career where I hope to amplify voices often marginalised or sidelined. This bursary will provide me with the opportunity to challenge harmful and Islamophobic narratives whilst contributing to the effort of diversifying the British media landscape.”
Ikraan Mohamed said: “I’m delighted and deeply honoured to be awarded the Aziz Foundation bursary. This incredible support will bring me one step closer to fulfilling my dream of becoming a journalist – a career where I hope to amplify voices often marginalised or sidelined. This bursary will provide me with the opportunity to challenge harmful and Islamophobic narratives whilst contributing to the effort of diversifying the British media landscape.”
Samia Uddin said:” I’m deeply grateful to have received the Aziz Foundation bursary. It represents a strong belief in the importance of diverse voices in journalism and I hope to use this opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute”
Rahima Aziz BEM, trustee of the Aziz Foundations said: “The Aziz Foundation are thrilled to be able to support the NCTJ in another year of the Journalism Diversity Fund. By investing in the next generation of journalists, we aim to ensure that newsrooms better reflect the diverse communities they serve, and that British Muslims are empowered to tell their own stories. Congratulations to all the successful applicants for this year!”
Football journalism bursary
From left to right: Ashley, Angelina and Mark
New for 2025, the football journalism bursary is supported by Sky Sports News and PA Media, and is awarded to a recipient who has an interest in sports journalism. As well as financial support via the JDF, the recipient will undertake work placements with both Sky Sports News and PA Media.
Angelina Nayar said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to have been awarded the football journalism bursary! It’s an incredible opportunity to learn from the brilliant teams at Sky Sports News and PA Media. This support will make such a difference as I take my first steps into the industry, and I’m passionate about using this experience to contribute positively to football journalism and to champion greater diversity within the field.”
Mark Alford, director of Sky Sports News, said: “At Sky Sports, we are fulsome in our support of the JDF. It removes barriers to entry into journalism so that all talent can forge successful careers in such an exciting and essential industry.
“This year we are delighted to partner with PA Media on delivering the football journalism bursary. Football matters to people; it is sewn into the fabric of Britain. Better representation of all those millions of football fans among those who report on it is a shared ambition and we are absolutely delighted to support Angelina with this award. Congratulations!”
Ashley Broadley, head of sport and production, PA Media, said: “At PA Media, we’re passionate about entry routes to journalism and helping the industry to become more diverse and inclusive. Working with Sky Sports News and the Journalism Diversity Fund to support talented newcomers like Angelina is a great step toward a stronger, more authentic future for football journalism.”
Thomas Read bursary
Vorny with Kevin Read, father of Thomas Read
The Thomas Read bursary was established in memory of Thomas Read, a Sky Sports News journalist who died unexpectedly in 2015, aged 25. Thomas, who had cerebral palsy, made brilliant progress during his short career and left a lasting impression on those he worked with. The bursary supports aspiring journalists with disabilities.
Siobhan (Vorny) Redmond said: “To be awarded the Thomas Read bursary is both a professional and personal landmark milestone, as well as an absolute honour. As a woman living with epilepsy, I understand the challenges and barriers to work that come with living with a long-term illness.
“The bursary will undoubtedly change my life in the best way possible. I vow to push forward in Thomas’ memory, continuing to break down barriers for others. To walk through the doors that Thomas fought to open, for myself and so many others. To the Read family, thank you. I will be eternally grateful for your support, and I will not let you down.”
Carolyn Read, founder of the Thomas Read bursary, said: “We are delighted to award the Thomas Read bursary to Siobhan this year. We were really impressed with her application, which reflected her determination, enthusiasm, positive attitude and desire to help others.
“Her qualities reflect Thomas’ commitment to succeed and to excel as a journalist. We wish her every success in the future.”
These specialist awards form part of a long-running commitment to improving diversity in UK newsrooms. Since its launch in 2005, the JDF has supported over 600 aspiring journalists from underrepresented backgrounds. With the continued support of partners over the last two decades, the NCTJ is aiming to award its 700th bursary in 2026.
Organisations interested in supporting the Journalism Diversity Fund are encouraged to contact Erin Johnson, fundraising manager, at [email protected].
For more information about the Journalism Diversity Fund, click here.
