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  Regional press news - this story published 02 July 2008

Disappointed journalism graduates offered financial lifeline

by Tamlyn Jones

Journalism students left disappointed by the cancellation of a newspaper training scheme could still secure financial help.

HoldtheFrontPage revealed yesterday that Mirror Group Newspapers had stopped the August intake on its graduate training scheme.

But now, the National Council for the Training of Journalists has offered the shortlisted students the chance to apply for the Journalism Diversity Fund which it administers.

Students have until 5pm on July 7 to submit their funding applications.

The original deadline passed on Monday but NCTJ chief executive Joanne Butcher has extended it for the MGN shortlisted students only in light of the scheme's cancellation.

Mirror Group Newspapers pays for two students to study at the Press Association's training centre, in Newcastle, before giving them newsroom experience and possibly a job on its national titles The Mirror, Sunday Mirror and The People.

Sponsorship of the two August places has been cancelled and the January 2009 intake is also in doubt.

Joanne said: "I can appreciate how disappointed some of the applicants shortlisted for the Mirror-sponsored training scheme may be.

"Being supported through quality journalism training is vital to many talented up-and-coming journalists and the industry shouldn't miss out on the contributions these individuals can make.

"By inviting those shortlisted to apply for the Journalism Diversity Fund, there may still be an opportunity for them to complete their accredited training at the Press Association course in Newcastle."

Previous alumni of the scheme include former Downing Street press secretary Alastair Campbell and The Sun's defence editor Tom Newton-Dunn.

Applicants for the Journalism Diversity Fund must meet certain criteria and secure a place on the training course.

Each application is dealt with on its own merits and funding is available for course fees and/or living expenses.

Students can apply at the Journalism Diversity Fund website, stating clearly they were a shortlisted candidate on the MGN scheme.

For more information contact Emma Harpley at the NCTJ on emma.harpley@nctj.com or call 01799 544940.

  • In a separate development Trinity Mirror has announced a recruitment freeze across all its titles, which includes around 150 local newspapers.

    A Trinity Mirror spokesman said: "In the current economic climate we must ensure our cost base is as variable as possible. For that reason, we have put in place a recruitment freeze which will remain in place for the foreseeable future."

    Earlier this week Trinity Mirror announced that it would be seeking "further efficiencies" after warning that profits could be down by 10pc this year.


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    Alex Burke (02/07/2008 09:47)
    Since they chopped the trainee scheme and froze recruitment the share price has fallen even further - if Trinity Mirror won't invest in its own future why should anyone invest in it?


    Lionel Messi (02/07/2008 10:17)
    So basically, anyone from ethnic minority background shortlisted forthe Mirror training group has another week to apply for this diversity fund. Good news for the one or maybe two people in the whole country this applies to - if they happen to read the article. Is that really any sustitute for a major training scheme getting scrapped? This is meant to be the news section, Hold the Front Page, not a free plug for the NCTJ course


    BlondeAmbition (02/07/2008 11:29)
    Lionel - get your facts right! The fund is for people who can't afford to pay for training, whatever their ethnicity. And if it helps 'one or two people' as you say - er, isn't that the number Mirror were planning to train?! I know journalists are a cynical bunch - but if it was your training that had been ripped away from you and you couldn't afford to pay for it yourself, I bet you'd be a bit more pleased at this news!


    Anon (02/07/2008 13:28)
    Lionel, As one of the lucky few who had the marvellous opportunity of making it to the shortlist for the mirror scheme, only to get shafted at the last minute, I'd like to think I have some insight into this. Clearly the Mirror don't think this is free publicity, because they got in touch with me and suggested I get in touch with the NCTJ re this offer - I'm white and middle class. The fact the mirror can't get their finances in order and the NCTJ, who I'm sure have a lot less money than Trinity Mirror PLC, can makes me think if you're going to be negative about anyone surely it should be the Mirror, not NCTJ....

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