The road to a sustainable future for great journalism

Over 140 budding journalists from schools in South Wales will join a stellar line-up of journalists and Welsh First Minister, Carwyn Jones in Cardiff today to mark the Welsh launch of the News Academy – News UK’s investment in the next generation of journalists.

News UK, the publisher of The Sun, The Times and The Sunday Times, established the News Academy to support 16-18 year olds hoping to forge a career in the media.

Today’s conference, held at Pierhead, National Assembly for Wales, will be attended by students from 13 schools and colleges across South Wales. The day of networking, debates, and talks is being opened by Guto Harri, Director of Communications at News UK and a distinguished former BBC correspondent. Students will then participate in three panel discussions and a Q&A session with an eclectic mix of journalists.

The highlights of the day will include; the First Minister discussing ‘politics and the media’; Sunday Times Education Editor, Sian Griffiths and Western Mail columnist Abbie Wightwick discussing ‘youth disengagement and the media’; an interview and Q&A session with The Editor of the Sun, David Dinsmore; and Sunday Times Deputy Editor, Sarah Baxter discussing ‘the responsibilities of a free press’.

Welsh First Minister, Carwyn Jones said: “The media plays an important role in holding politicians into account and communicating to the public what we are doing that makes a difference to their everyday lives. Being a part of the media is a chance to be at the forefront of current affairs, in an exciting and rapidly changing profession. I’m pleased to be a part of News Academy’s event to support and inspire our future journalists.”

News UK, Director of Communications, Guto Harri, said: “The News Academy aims to inspire the next generation of news makers who will ensure a sustainable future for world-class journalism and I am delighted to bring the search back to my home town along with some great journalistic talent.”

The Editor of the Sun, David Dinsmore, said: “I am determined that The Sun reports - and reflects - every part of the United Kingdom. The News Academy is a great way for young people from across Wales to learn how they can contribute to the future of their media and their country.”

Welsh Assembly Presiding Officer, Dame Rosemary Butler AM,said: “I have been running a campaign to highlight the need for plurality of media coverage of the work of the National Assembly to ensure the democratic process works in Wales. Part of that process is about encouraging the journalists of the future and teaching them how reporting the work of a country’s law-making body is central to a healthy democracy. That’s why I am pleased to welcome News UK, and possible future journalists, to the Pierhead today for the launch of this News Academy. I believe it could play an important role in addressing the Democratic Deficit in Wales by furnishing our future journalists with important knowledge about the democratic process in Wales.”