The Racing Media Academy
The Racing Media Academy was devised after broadcaster and entrepreneur Josh Apiafi, identified there was a barrier to getting new diverse talent into the horse racing media.
Following an interview on Sky in January 2021 where Josh called for wider diversity in UK horse racing, he was able to bring together racing’s leading media organisations to look at the feasibility of creating racing’s first-ever free Media Academy.
Josh, along with his team of associates, worked hard to build the concept and gather support, before applying for a grant to help launch the project, from the Racing Foundation. In October 2021 funding was granted to create a ‘pilot’ for The Racing Media Academy; to be held at The British Racing School in April 2022.
The Racing Media Academy is part of the Non-Yard Based Career Pathway into horse racing; for those people who love the idea of working in racing but don’t necessarily want or can’t ride horses. The Racing Media Academy gives its students the opportunity for work experience and training within racing’s top media houses. An intensive week’s training has been designed at The British Racing School, where students will get an insight into the world of horse racing and learn about the different areas of the media. This means that even those who don’t know very much about horse racing can still apply.
The ambition is to increase diversity across racing’s media by creating a pathway for talent that is reflective of today’s society. The pilot has gained the support of several organisations that work with young people, from a variety of different backgrounds. This was a strategic plan to help spread the message about the academy and open the opportunity up to everyone, no matter what background, religion, race, culture, sexuality or disability. These supporting organisations can all be found on our supporter’s page.
The Racing Media Academy is accessible to anyone over the age of 18 and is entirely free, with a paid placement. These placements will take place at the following media organisations within the sport; Equine Productions, ITV Racing, Racetech, Racing Post, Racing TV, Sky Sports Racing and Tik Tok. To broaden the diversity of its participants Apiafi Associates have built up a network of organisations who support people in under-represented communities, these supporters will help promote the Racing Media Academy to their groups.
The Racing Media Academy will also be filmed to help raise awareness for future academies and inspire future candidates. This footage will not only be broadcast across the media platforms from the organisations involved, but across new media platforms too. It is hoped this will help us secure a sponsor for future academies to take place.
If you are interested in applying for the Racing Media Academy you can do so here.
