The Community News Project (CNP) is a partnership between the NCTJ and regional news publishers that supports quality local journalism and improves the diversity of UK newsrooms.
Since the launch of its first phase in 2019, the CNP has provided work and training opportunities to over 280 people.
Recruits are placed at the heart of local newsrooms. In the next phase of the project (starting in early 2025), reporters will train towards the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism.
In October 2024, the NCTJ announced the launch of the Community Reporting Fund (CRF), committing an initial investment of £450,000 from its reserves with a goal of securing additional funding from external partners in the coming years.
For this next phase, we have recruited six new community reporters. Find out more here.
Reporting on and about a community that you live, socialise and have worked in is important to me. I have a level of trust from the community members to tell their stories in an unbiased and thoughtful way.Patrick Graham, former community reporter, Liverpool Echo
What does a community reporter do?
A community reporter’s main role will be to engage with people in specific communities to research and create content relevant to them.
They spend time in the community, building new relationships that will continue into the future. They report on instances of misinformation circulating in local communities. They provide insight to the wider newsroom about the issues and concerns of specific communities.
They build and act as the point of contact for online communities by engaging with and seeking information from those communities.
What training do they undertake?
All reporters work towards the NCTJ’s Level 5 qualification, the Diploma in Journalism. This is the qualification held by 83 per cent of qualified journalists in the UK.
Training is delivered by one of the NCTJ’s accredited course providers, and reporters study alongside other community reporters.
Support the Community News Project
The NCTJ has committed an initial investment of £450,000 from its reserves to establish the Community Reporting Fund (CRF), with a goal of securing additional funding from external partners in the coming years. Please help us secure the future of this vital scheme. Please get in touch to find out more about contributing to the CRF.
