The Telegraph’s Media Literacy Programme Returns for a Sixth Year

Now in its sixth year, The Telegraph’s Media Literacy Programme returned in March 2026, with the aim to inspire school pupils aged 16-18 from all different backgrounds across the UK about careers in journalism, and help them understand the importance and value of trusted journalism in society.

Greg Dickinson, Senior Travel Writer at The Telegraph, hosted the month-long programme for a second year and was joined by journalists from across the newsroom who covered topics including: travel; politics; community; visual journalism, audio and podcasting; fashion; sport and foreign reporting. These editorial insights were paired with practical career advice and CV tips.

The agenda consisted of four hour-long sessions broadcast live via YouTube from The Telegraph’s studios after the school day had finished. Any registered student could access the sessions online and participate in the challenges and Q&As.

This year the scheme reached an average of 1200 students per session from schools across the United Kingdom. From Creif to Dundee, Belfast to Rusholme, Exeter to Ingatestone, Leicester and London, participants were highly engaged, submitting over 860 questions. Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 100% saying they enjoyed the sessions delivered and 97% having a better understanding of journalism after completing the sessions.

In addition to gaining an insight into the different roles offered within journalism, students were introduced to The Telegraph future talent schemes, which include work experience, apprenticeships and graduate programmes. Students are also awarded a certificate and invited to join the Media Literacy Programme Alumni Talent Pool where entry-level opportunities at The Telegraph are shared. 

Ian MacGregor, Telegraph Editor Emeritus, said, “More than 3,500 students have now completed the Telegraph’s MLP programme which has been running for six years. It is brilliant to see so many young people of all backgrounds taking an interest in our quality journalism. It has also been fantastic to see many of the participants are now applying for our future talent entry schemes.”

Participant feedback: “I found it very interesting to learn more about the ins and outs of different types of journalism and what a day would look like for them. I believe it helped me consider my options more when looking for potential careers.”

“I really enjoyed hearing from people who work in different fields of journalism. I also liked hearing stories about how they broke into journalism as it shows it’s not a linear path and journalism can be the result of many career paths before.”

“I liked hearing about how you can start somewhere different from where you want to be and learning how to build skills like making a CV.”