Catch 22 claims record year for getting disadvantaged into journalism

A journalism academy set up to help socially disadvantaged students and increase diversity in the journalism industry has reported record success.

Over half of last year’s trainees at the Catch 22 Academy are now in media education or employment according to its annual report, an increase of 40 per cent over the past three years.

Of the academy’s 34 trainees in 2010 to 2011, 64 per cent were female, 49 percent were black, 15 per cent were Asian and 5 per cent were mixed race.

Catch 22 was founded in 2007 and is based in Tottenham, north London.

It aims to increase diversity in the journalism industry and provide affordable training for young hopefuls from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Two 14-week multimedia journalism courses are run per year for adults aged 18-30 with the emphasis on gaining experience and learning from industry professionals.

Last year trainees completed 34 work placements at titles including the Evening Standard, Daily Mirror, Cosmopolitan and the Metro.

Topics in this article : Journalism