ITV News has given five-figure financial support to a scheme aimed at increasing diversity in journalism.

The organisation has been unveiled as a new backer of the Journalism Diversity Fund.

ITV News will make a £10,000 contribution as well as offering work experience opportunities and support to beneficiaries through the JDF mentor scheme.

Administered by the National Council for the Training of Journalists, the JDF awards bursaries to aspiring journalists from a wide range of diverse backgrounds who don’t have the financial means to support themselves through NCTJ training.

ITV is the fifth news provider to become a financial contributor since September 2019, with the JDF now supported by 16 media companies in total.

ITV News managing editor Diane Ridley, pictured, said: “The need for a plurality of voices in newsrooms is vital and this scheme helps people from under-represented groups who couldn’t afford to get the right training take their first steps towards becoming a journalist.

“ITV News looks forward to supporting the careers of future newsgatherers through its involvement in the JDF.”

Will Gore, the NCTJ’s head of partnerships and projects, added: “I’m so pleased that ITV News has come on board as a backer of the JDF.

“The NCTJ’s Diploma in Journalism prepares students for roles across all platforms, so it’s great to see another broadcaster add its name to the list of media companies which make the scheme possible.

“Last year the JDF really came to the fore, helping dozens of students from diverse backgrounds at a time when many were facing their own individual economic pressures.

“It remains a key mission of the NCTJ to make it possible for talented people to become professional journalists – whatever their personal circumstances.”