As reported by Mariella Brown on the Society of Editors website:
The company, owned by Verizon Media, is the fifteenth media organisation to give its backing to the Journalism Diversity Fund (JDF) which has supported more than 400 prospective journalists since its launch in 2005.
In addition to making a financial contribution to the fund, Yahoo UK will offer opportunities for JDF candidates to gain insights into its editorial operations. It will also encourage its staff to become involved in the JDF’s mentoring programme.
The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), which administers the fund, said the addition of Yahoo – the first digital-only news publisher to fund the scheme – comes at a time when demand for support from the JDF is higher than ever.
The fund was able to offer bursaries to 58 aspiring journalists from diverse backgrounds in 2020, during its 15th anniversary year.
Nicholas Petche, editor in chief of Yahoo UK, said: “We are really thrilled to be joining forces with the Journalism Diversity Fund.
“As an organisation we have for several years been working hard to help those from diverse backgrounds wanting to get into journalism. Together with the JDF we believe we can now develop that even further.”
Will Gore, the NCTJ’s head of partnerships and projects, said: “This is a fantastic way to start another busy year for the Journalism Diversity Fund, and I’m thrilled that Yahoo UK has decided to become a partner in our tried and trusted scheme.
“We know that the pandemic has created myriad challenges for the news media sector. It has also presented some of those wishing to enter the industry with additional economic pressures. We are determined that the JDF will continue to enable diverse talent to get the professional training and support needed to have the best chance of achieving success in the world of journalism.”
Bursaries can help to cover the costs of course fees and/or living expenses while recipients complete their NCTJ-accredited course.
All those who receive JDF funding are paired with a working journalist to mentor them during their studies, and many sponsoring news outlets offer work placement opportunities or insight days.
The fund is also sponsored by media organisations: BBC, Bloomberg, DMG Media, Dow Jones, Financial Times, Google News Initiative, Newsquest, News UK, NLA media access, PA Media, the Printing Charity, Reach Plc, Reuters, and Sky.
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