APL Media’s editorial director and COO, Maria Pieri, and assistant project editor, Kira Richards, joined David Spencer on The Media Mentor podcast to discuss diversity in travel media and the importance of creating more accessible pathways into the industry. 

During the conversation, Maria and Kira discussed diversity in travel media, the barriers many aspiring journalists face when entering the industry, and the importance of creating more accessible pathways into media careers. 

As part of the discussion, they highlighted the Travel Media Awards Step Up programme, an initiative designed to help people from underrepresented backgrounds gain experience in journalism and media. In its fourth year, the programme offers five paid summer internships annually, helping to bring fresh voices and diverse perspectives into travel media. The 2026 cohort began their internships on 8 June. 

Maria spoke about APL Media’s involvement in the programme, as well as the company’s wider commitment to supporting emerging talent through internships, mentoring and career development opportunities. 
 
Maria said: “Programmes such as TMA Step Up play an important role in opening doors, but it’s equally important the industry continues to invest in mentoring, training and long-term career development. Travel media is at its best when it reflects a wide range of voice, experiences and perspectives.” 
 
Joining her on the podcast was Kira Richards, who began her career as a Step Up intern in 2024 before securing a full-time role at APL Media. Together, they shared their experiences of entering the industry and explored how initiatives such as Step Up can help create opportunities for the next generation of travel journalists. 

Listen to the episode here:  

Season 2 — Episode 23: Travel media and increasing diversity  

###   

About APL Media   
APL Media is a multi-award-winning content marketing agency and publisher, creating high-quality print, digital and live media across the travel and lifestyle sectors since 1997. It has published National Geographic Traveller (UK) under licence from National Geographic Partners LLC since 2010, alongside brand extensions including guides, events and digital platforms. Its portfolio includes Living360, a digital lifestyle brand spanning wellness, travel, food, sustainability and culture.    

APL Media delivers custom content, branded campaigns and editorial consultancy, internship schemes including Step Up and produces leading events such as the Travel Media Awards. It is also a leading reseller of advertising for national newspapers. Its trade titles include Postcards and the ASTA Worldwide Destination Guide, with content also created for national newspapers. aplmedia.co.uk