Michael Sheen backs Mirror drive to increase diversity in British journalism
Budding writers and journalists from underrepresented backgrounds could be in with a chance of getting their big break - thanks to the Daily Mirror and national treasure Michael Sheen.
The ‘A Writing Chance’ project aims to give wannabe writers from minority backgrounds a leg-up into the industry, and is co-founded by award-winning actor Michael, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and New Writing North. It’s open to all new or emerging journalists plus fiction and non-fiction writers from working-class and lower-income backgrounds who are aged over 18 and based in the UK.
The programme starts in April 2024 and will run until the following March, with 16 successful applicants being picked by the judges to each receive a £2,000 bursary and be paired up with an experienced mentor from the Daily Mirror, Faber & Faber or Substack who will give them one-to-one advice and support throughout the 12-month project.
Almost 80% of journalists coming from professional or upper-class backgrounds (stock image) (Getty Images)The chosen talents will also become part of a writers’ network, go on a residential writing retreat, learn more about how the industry works and make valuable contacts as part of their successful applications. In addition to support for the individual writers, A Writing Chance will offer free open-access resources and opportunities for all working-class and lower-income writers.
Alison Phillips, editor of the Daily Mirror, said: “For the past 120 years, The Mirror has played a vital role in holding those in power accountable. We’ve consistently exposed wrongdoing at the highest levels and we’ve forced change for the better for British people. It is a mission which is incredibly important and rewarding. But it’s also a mission that relies on us fully reflecting our diverse society.
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"No writer should ever feel silenced because of their background or situation. No voice should feel unwelcome or unheard. And that’s why this scheme is so exciting. Last time we did it we discovered some fascinating and fantastic new talents - and we can’t wait to see what this year will bring.”
Michael Sheen said: “When we first launched A Writing Chance, I was bowled over by the quality of work that was submitted and by the writers that we selected for the programme. It’s clear to me that we need to continue to work hard to enable access for talented people into the arts and creative industries and to understand and remove the real barriers that prevent this.”
The Good Omens star added: “I look forward to seeing this project grow into a much bigger programme for change as the work continues.” It comes after data from the National Council for the Training of Journalists found working-class people are heavily underrepresented in the news industry, with nearly 80% of journalists coming from professional or upper-class backgrounds, compared with 42% of the general workforce.
The 2024-25 project, which follows the success of the 2021-22 programme, is being produced in partnership with Faber & Faber and Substack, with audio sponsorship from Audible. Writers can choose from three different schemes, with journalism hopefuls asked to write a 500-word feature, interview or comment piece on the theme of hope. The deadline is 10am, January 8, 2024. For more information, visit awritingchance.co.uk
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