Will Gore To Lead NCTJ’s Facebook Project

Will Gore, executive editor of The Independent, is to lead the National Council for the Training of Journalists’ Facebook project as the organisation’s new head of partnerships and projects.

Announced today, Mr Gore will oversee the management of the Community News Project, a £4.5 million – charitable donation by Facebook to the NCTJ, which aims to support quality local journalism and improve the diversity of UK newsrooms.

Local and regional publishers participating in the two year project will recruit about 80 community journalists to extend news coverage in under reported areas.

Mr Gore joined ESI Media in 2011 as deputy managing editor, with responsibility for editorial standards across the Evening Standard and Independent titles. He played a key role overseeing The Independent’s successful development as a digital-only operation and championed the organisations’ apprenticeship and diversity schemes.

Joanne Butcher, chief executive of the NCTJ, said: “Will brings with him a great deal of senior experience, an in-depth knowledge of the media industry and a passion for high standards of training and journalism.

“He is the perfect person to lead our partnerships and projects, and to have a big influence on our ambitious strategy and the future direction of the charity.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Gore said: “I am a huge admirer of the NCTJ’s work and am committed to its vision for raising journalistic standards across the news media industry and beyond.

“I am thrilled by the prospect of this new role and look forward to working with the NCTJ team and all the partners who want to make a difference and sustain the future of quality journalism.”