A former regional daily reporter who went on to hold leading roles at the BBC, ITN and Reuters has warned that journalism is becoming an “elite sport” after being named as the new chair of the NCTJ.

Sue Brooks, left, is to take over as chair of the training body in September after long-serving predecessor Kim Fletcher steps down.

Originally from Derbyshire, Sue began her career as a trainee on the Derby Evening Telegraph at the age of 17 before going on to senior editorial roles in broadcasting, including editing News at Ten.

Most recently, she worked as general manager for Reuters News Agency, overseeing all commercial and business activities.

But commenting on her appointment, Sue cast doubt on whether such a career progression would be possible in today’s industry.

She described her NCTJ qualification from Richmond College, Sheffield as her “calling card to reporting for local and national radio, some of the best jobs in UK television and senior roles at the world’s two leading news agencies. None of it would have been possible without the NCTJ.”

She added: “Could this happen in 2024? NCTJ research suggests not and, in the years since I joined the industry, journalism has become an elite sport.

“The NCTJ’s efforts to address this are exciting and groundbreaking and one of the major reasons I am honoured and delighted to be appointed as chair.

“The need for trusted journalism and journalistic skills to understand and explain the world has never been more important. The NCTJ has never been more important.”

“I relish the opportunity to use the knowledge gained from decades of understanding the issues of, and creating products and solutions for, media companies around the world to guide the NCTJ to even greater achievements”.

Sue joined Reuters in 2015 as global head of news agency products, and in 2018 became managing director for Reuters products and news agency strategy.

Before her career at Reuters, she worked at Associated Press for 14 years.

She will take over as chair of the NCTJ next month, when Kim will chair his final board meeting and take up the honorary role as emeritus chairman.

Kim commented: “Few journalists have worked with such distinction in so many different parts of the industry. Sue brings with that experience an enthusiasm and drive that will hugely benefit the NCTJ.”

NCTJ chief executive Joanne Forbes added: “All of us at the NCTJ are thrilled Sue has been appointed to lead the board and guide the charity, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to work alongside her to take the NCTJ to the next stage of its development.

“Her outstanding achievements as a journalist, editorial manager and business leader, and her experience across all media sectors and formats – and, of course, her NCTJ pedigree and passion for our values – make her the perfect choice to be our next chair.”