BBC backs union student fund

BBC ENGLISH Regions are donating £15,000 to the NUJ George Viner Memorial Fund (GVMF), which supports black and ethnic minority students through their journalism training.

The donation will sponsor five scholars studying broadcast journalism. Successful applicants will be invited to a day at the BBC broadcasting centre in Birmingham where they will tour the building and meet the Controller of BBC English Regions, Andy Griffee.

Each will be assigned a mentor and will undertake a paid two-month work placement at a local BBC station.

Liz Smith, head of human resources and development, said BBC Nations and Regions was delighted to support the fund. “We believe that this is an excellent way to provide concrete support to talented black and Asian journalists wishing to pursue a career in broadcast journalism and the BBC will benefit from fresh talent from diverse backgrounds.”

Lionel Morrison, chair of the GVMF trustees, said: “We are delighted to be working with BBC Nations and Regions again. They have provided practical support to scholars in the past and they are recognising the struggles faced by students and providing financial support.”

The fund has taken on a new trustee who for the first time is a former student beneficiary. Cara Simpson (right) benefited from the fund in 2005 and now works for the Coventry Telegraph. She won the Midlands Newcomer of the Year prize at the Birmingham Press Awards in May. She said: “I am delighted about joining the fund as a trustee. The sponsorship was invaluable to me as a student and it is a wonderful opportunity to give something back.”

The Journalist is published by the National Union of Journalists