An international news brand has committed to financially supporting a fund to help train journalists from disadvantaged backgrounds.

CNN International has become the 17th media organisation to give its backing to the NCTJ’s Journalism Diversity Fund.

As part of the agreement, CNN staff will act as mentors to JDF bursary recipients while they are on course and senior editors will be involved in assessing candidates’ applications for support.

The company will also host events for JDF students and alumni at its London bureau, which houses many of the network’s senior international correspondents.

Johnita Due, SVP and chief diversity & inclusion officer at CNN, said: “Enabling more people from more diverse backgrounds to start a career in journalism is not only the right thing to do, it also has proven benefits – both for our organisation and our audiences.

“We’re focused on promoting diversity within our operation worldwide, as well as across the industry, and supporting the JDF is an important part of that commitment in the UK.”

Will Gore, pictured, the NCTJ’s head of partnerships and projects, added: “It’s fantastic to see CNN enter the JDF fold, especially at a time when there is renewed focus on making the news media sector more diverse and more inclusive.

“The JDF is a tried and trusted programme. It recognises that people who are equipped with professional skills are the most likely to succeed when they enter the newsroom: that is why JDF alumni have such a strong track record.

“The industry’s backing for the scheme is indicative of its support not only for a more diverse workforce, but also for the NCTJ’s training programmes.”

CNN is the third media organisation to become a financial backer of the scheme since the start of this year, following similar decisions by ITV News and Yahoo UK.