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The Class Gap in British Journalism

Chloe Thomas

Chloe Thomas

With a longstanding diversity problem, the UK’s journalism industry is dominated by those from upper-class backgrounds. 

The NCTJ’s 2023 Diversity in Journalism report shed light on the underrepresentation of individuals from working-class backgrounds employed in journalistic occupations, with 72 per cent of UK journalists having a parent in one of the three highest occupational groups, in comparison to 44 per cent of the overall working population.

The report also found that 75 per cent of junior journalists and reporters have a parent in a high-level occupation.

Education and Exclusion

Although these statistics are deeply concerning, they are hardly shocking.

The 2023 NCTJ report reiterates the high rates of higher education qualifications amongst those employed in the sector. This is significant, as education in the UK is also exclusive, with higher education more difficult to access for those from underprivileged backgrounds.

A 2016 report from The Sutton Trust revealed that 51 per cent of the UK’s leading journalists had been privately educated, with just 19 per cent having attended comprehensive schools. This report also found that 54 per cent had been educated at Oxbridge, demonstrating the domination of those from elite backgrounds in the industry.

If we hope to fix this exclusivity, we first need to understand just why the class gap in journalism is so pervasive.

One of the main methods of building a portfolio to break into the industry is through unpaid work experience, which is largely inaccessible for those without the financial means to support themselves. By not offering a wage, these positions are effectively closed off to those with no access to alternative means of funding, excluding low-income individuals from even applying. This makes it far harder for working class individuals to take the first steps towards a successful career in the industry.

It’s not what you know…

It’s who you know.

It’s no secret that journalism is an industry that benefits from rampant nepotism. It can be significantly harder to secure an entry-level role without those pre-existing connections. This is likely a factor in the far lower rates of journalists with parents in skilled trades occupations (8 per cent, according to the NCTJ report).

“It creates a sense of alienation or invalidation amongst working-class journalists”

There is also a cultural focus on meritocracy within British journalism, with aspiring journalists reassured that working hard will ensure their future success. However, the systemic inequalities evident in the NCTJ report suggests that hard work and dedication alone are not necessarily enough for those from underprivileged backgrounds to break into the industry.

How many voices are being neglected?

These barriers are disparaging to those from lower-class backgrounds who hope to pursue careers in journalism, but may feel that the odds are stacked against them. It may also create a sense of alienation or invalidation amongst working-class journalists already established in the profession, who see their underrepresentation reflected in these statistics.

A variety of perspectives is key to producing well-rounded, high-quality journalism that appeals to our entire diverse population. Inevitably, the eminent lack of diversity demonstrated by the class gap within British journalism means that the quality of media output is directly impacted. How many voices are being neglected?

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Featured image courtesy of Engin_Akyurt via Pixabay. No changes or alterations have been made to this image. Image license found here.

A recent BA English with History graduate, aspiring to pursue a career within the journalism and media industry.

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