A bursary award for aspiring broadcast and digital journalists has been set up by the family of a BBC director who championed diversity.
The Claire Prosser Award is open to applicants who have secured a place on a course accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists and who are interested in a career in broadcast or digital journalism.
The successful applicant will receive £5,000 as well as a work experience opportunity with the BBC.
Prosser died in December 2014 following heart surgery and was the first director of the BBC’s Journalism Training Scheme.
She began her career as a journalist with the Surrey Herald in 1978 later gaining her pre-entry qualification at Harlow College, where she met husband Paul who helped set up the award along with the Journalism Diversity Fund and the NCTJ.
Prosser joined BBC Ceefax in 1985, later moving to BBC Radio 4 before returning to Ceefax as its editor. When BBC Radio 5 Live was launched she moved there as an output editor.
Clabburn said: “We are delighted to be able to work with the NCTJ and support a bursary in Claire’s name.
“Claire was able to put into action her belief in equality of opportunity via her leadership of the BBC’s Journalism Trainee Scheme.
“She believed strongly that journalism, a profession she loved and spent her life in, should be open to anyone from any background. It is that spirit we are seeking to keep alive.
“This bursary is part of her legacy.”
NCTJ chief executive Joanne Butcher said: “Claire made a real difference to the careers of so many young people and we hope to continue her legacy with this award.”
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