January 2022: Inclusive Reporting is a new programme from Media Trust aimed at journalists and newsrooms across the UK. 

The programme’s objective is to promote a more level playing field for media representation through exploring key considerations in, and sharing best practice for, creating truly inclusive news reporting. Media Trust also wants to strengthen the voices of underrepresented communities by helping to connect newsrooms with civil society.

The programme is funded by the Meta Journalism Project and supported by an advisory group made up of senior executives from news organisations and third sector leaders, who provide strategic insights and governance for the programme. The advisory group is chaired by Kamal Ahmed of the News Movement, who is vice-president of the Society of Editors.

Over the first half of 2022, Media Trust will deliver inclusive reporting training through workshops for small groups of journalists alongside a number of open sector-wide masterclasses designed and delivered in partnership with the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).

The principal facilitator will be Hannah Fearn (formerly the Independent, the Guardian and Charity Times). She will lead the workshops, which aim to provide reporters with practical tips and examples on how to be more inclusive in their reporting. The sessions will touch upon topics such as transparency; understanding audiences, language and tone; expanding contributor databases; and sharing positive engagement case studies.

Alongside the training, Media Trust will also run a number of speed networking sessions bringing together journalists with civil society leaders to allow for more open dialogue between marginalised groups and the media. Applications are now open; contact Fahmida Miah at fahmidam@mediatrust.org.