Scholarship places on the pioneering Journalism Innovation and Leadership (JIL) Programme at the University of Central Lancashire are open for application.
Sponsored by a host of media organisations, the scholarships will cover all funding for the part-time, 30-week programme, which is designed by industry leaders and experienced academics to shape the next generation of diverse news media leaders.
Bright Sites, Chrysalis Transformations, FT Strategies, Media Lab-Jordan and Tickaroo have all been announced as scholarship sponsors for the JIL 2025 cohort, which will begin in January. Scholarship applications need to be submitted by Monday 18 November.
Dr François Nel, Reader in Media Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Central Lancashire and director of the scholarship programme, said: “2025 will mark the fifth year of the JIL Programme at the University. So far, 92 media professionals from 18 different countries have completed the course so we are truly building a global network of news industry experts.
"This year we welcome several new scholarship sponsors, all of whom recognise the importance of investing in forward-thinking news media professionals as we seek to develop more inclusive and fair news industries around the world."
— Dr François Nel, Reader in Media Innovation and Entrepreneurship and director of the scholarship programme
“This year we welcome several new scholarship sponsors, all of whom recognise the importance of investing in forward-thinking news media professionals as we seek to develop more inclusive and fair news industries around the world.”
Naomi Owusu, Co-Founder and CEO at Tickaroo, said: “We are delighted to support the Journalism Innovation and Leadership Programme. As a forward-thinking and innovative media-tech company, we are committed to empowering the next generation of media professionals and transforming newsrooms with creative solutions. Our audience-first approach is a testament to our core belief in people writing for people.
“Audiences are diverse and always have been, and we firmly believe that this diversity should be reflected in the newsrooms. JIL’s mission of helping talented individuals develop the advanced knowledge, skills and confidence to thrive as the next generation of media professionals deeply resonates with our vision. Our focus on diversity is rooted in the fundamental understanding that everyone's unique perspective is valuable. We believe that supporting diverse media leaders and equipping them with future-proof and innovative solutions will be the key to shaping the future of media.”
"JIL’s mission of helping talented individuals develop the advanced knowledge, skills and confidence to thrive as the next generation of media professionals deeply resonates with our vision."
— Naomi Owusu, Co-Founder and CEO at Tickaroo
Brian Alford, founder and CEO of Bright Sites, said: “With the launch of our Innovation Incubator, is encouraging forward-thinking media leaders to push the boundaries of what’s possible in journalism. We’re committed to helping them apply AI-powered solutions in practical, impactful ways that can fundamentally reshape their newsrooms.
“These scholarships reflect our dedication to supporting innovation at every level in the media industry. We’re looking for individuals who not only see the potential of technology but are ready to pioneer its application to overcome today’s biggest challenges in journalism.”
Jeremy Clifford, Founding Director of Chrysalis Transformation, said: “I am thrilled to be able to continue my support for this leadership programme that is so critical in helping to nurture the leaders who will make a positive contribution to our industry.
"As a leadership development coach in the media industry, I take great pleasure in seeing established and emerging leaders develop and grow in confidence and I am committed to helping to support leadership programmes such as this.
"Having held leadership positions for more than 20 years, I am delighted that Chrysalis is able to sponsor someone who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to benefit from this programme.”
"We’re looking for individuals who not only see the potential of technology but are ready to pioneer its application to overcome today’s biggest challenges in journalism."
— Brian Alford, founder and CEO of Bright Sites
Lisa MacLeod, Director of FT Strategies, said: “We at FT Strategies are immensely proud to partner with UCLan and the Journalism Innovation and Leadership Programme. We believe that this programme is fundamental to the upskilling and enrichment of media managers who will make a difference in the future of our industry. In particular, the commitment to draw together experiences of alumni, mentors and participants from the global north and south makes JIL a stand-out contributor to collaboration and cooperation across the globe.”