06 Informed Update Save journalism education


Journalism funding is the subject of government cuts. Tis is despite Keir Starmer writing in Te Guardian last October that: “Journalism is the lifeblood of democracy. Journalists are guardians of democratic values. Tese simple facts are so woven into the fabric of our society that we oſten take them for granted.” In May Bridget Phillipson, education


secretary, directed the Office for Students (OfS) to withdraw Strategic Priorities Grant funding from journalism courses for the 2025-26 financial year. Instead Phillipson said universities should put the money into other subjects such as agriculture, nursing and IT. Ten the National Council for the


Training of Journalists (NCTJ) said in November that the government is also holding up employers hiring journalists due to a delay in approving funding for degree apprenticeships. Although Skills England signed it off


in May, it has emerged that government has not yet approved a proposed £14,000 funding band for level 6 apprenticeships. Lyn Jones, head of qualifications at the NCTJ, told HoldtheFrontPage:


“Te six-month delay in approving the level 6 funding band is preventing employers from investing in the next generation of journalists. Journalism apprenticeships break down barriers and ensure newsrooms beter reflect the communities they serve.” In addition, HoldtheFrontPage said


Toby Granville, Newsquest’s editorial chief and NCTJ Journalism Trailblazer group chair, has writen to Jacqui Smith, UK skills minister, about the issue. Te NUJ is backing the NCTJ’s campaign calling for the government’s cuts to be called off and condemning the move for threatening diversity and sustainability of journalism education. Te Journalists at Work 2024 report


found that 81% of journalists hold a journalism qualification, 83% of whom have an NCTJ qualification, with 84% saying it helped secure their first job. As part of its support for a live campaign, the NUJ wrote with its concerns to the education minister. Te government states that it is “commited to supporting the invaluable role which journalism plays in the fabric of our society” yet it appears not to be reconsidering the planned cuts.


Although the NUJ welcomes the


government’s recent announcement that primary school children will be taught skills in how to identify fake news and disinformation, credible, trusted and trained journalists are needed more than ever. Tanks to all members who have raised concerns with MPs. If you haven’t yet taken action, write to your MP using our simple tool and template leter to raise the NCTJ and NUJ’s concerns about the impact of proposals. Help us highlight the threats to the future health of journalism in the UK, for the good of the profession and the future of democracy.


Bullivant recognition Members have won recognition at Bullivant Media Group with an agreement now signed. Te deal was finalised aſter months of negotiations and despite the company’s initial hostility. All staff journalists employed by the Redditch-based newspapers group - which has 15 Observer & Standard newspaper titles and associated news websites serving towns and cities in Warwickshire, Worcestershire


and the West Midlands – are covered by the agreement. Ash Osborne, Bullivant Media Group NUJ Chapel rep, said: “I’m pleased that we stuck together throughout this entire process.” Chris Morley, NUJ Northern & Midlands senior organiser, said: “Tis shows that it is possible for even a small chapel to navigate the current complicated statutory Trade Union recognition law to achieve what members are seeking.”


National World takeover In May Irish media mogul Malcolm Denmark was finally granted clearance to take control of National World following months of uncertainty and delayed pay talks. When the takeover was first announced last December, Denmark’s company Media Concierge promised not to cut editorial job cuts and instead invest in local news. However, the block put on conducting local pay


negotiations – which should have been underway months ago – has not been liſted. Instead Denmark sent a leter to staff saying that pay would be reviewed on an individual basis. Te group chapel continues to seek dialogue with the company and general secretary Laura Davison has writen to Denmark to request a substantive response to members’ pay claims and a return to negotiations with the NUJ.


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