At Raconteur, we have a history of excellence in business journalism. But, like many other players in the media industry, we recognise our stable of regular writers does not reflect the diversity of the business world or that of society.

We want to improve the situation.

To this end, we are launching the New Voices Programme, a 12-week programme designed to nurture the next generation of business journalists - particularly writers from communities and groups that have typically been marginalised and under-represented in our industry.

This free programme will teach budding journalists the key principles that will enable them to start a successful freelance career.

The first part will cover aspects such as how to generate great ideas and pitch them to commissioning editors; how to build a network of potential interviewees; and how to structure an article to maximise its impact.

In the second part, Raconteur’s editorial team will work with the participants to help them craft an article. If the finished product meets Raconteur’s high standards, it will be published on Raconteur.net and/or in one of our print reports, which appear in The Times and The Sunday Times. Participants will be paid for published work, which should then form the basis of a professional writing portfolio.

Successful participants will also be added to Raconteur’s database of freelance journalists. This will enable them to pitch for further work and receive commissions from us. 

Key features

• The 12-week programme comprises one hour a week with the Raconteur editorial team, plus an assignment for the following week.

• Each participant will be assigned a member of the Raconteur team as a mentor.

• The programme is free.

• The course is online, making it available to anyone in the UK and Republic of Ireland who has access to a computer with an internet connection.

• Participants will each aim to produce one 950-word article. Raconteur will pay for any work it publishes.

• Successful participants will be added to Raconteur's freelance journalist database.

Who can apply

We are interested in hearing from people and groups that are under-represented in media generally - and business journalism especially. This includes, but is not limited to, writers of colour, people with disabilities, those who haven't been in higher education, or those who are carers. It is open to any age, people just starting out in their careers or those considering a career change.

We know that breaking into journalism can be difficult, so we are seeking gifted writers who aren't sure where to start. As our programme will be teaching the basics, we won't be considering candidates who have ever enrolled on any higher educational qualification in journalism, or had work published in newspapers, magazines or major online publications (except student publications).

• Applicants must be aged 18 or over.

• Applicants must have a demonstrable interest in pursuing a career in business journalism.

• Applicants must not have had any paid work professionally published.

• Applicants must not have undertaken a journalism degree or other higher education course in journalism.

• Applicants must be available to start the course during the week starting 6 June 2022 and be available for an hour a week for 11 weeks thereafter (to w/c 29 August 2022).

• We will try to find a time to run the programme that suits all participants, but we may have to offer your place to someone else if you are chosen but cannot attend the weekly sessions. 

Application Process

• Candidates are asked to send us an application of no more than 400 words detailing their interest in business journalism and the New Voices Programme. This also needs to explain why the candidate should be considered eligible for inclusion. 
• Depending on the number of applications we receive, we may invite candidates for a 15- to 30-minute Zoom call to assess their suitability.
• The deadline for applications is midday on 6 May 2022.
• For more details, please find our terms and conditions here.