News Industry Workers Fight Back Against Corporate Assault on Journalism, Jobs

For More Information Jeff Miller or Candice Johnson, CWA Communications, 202-434-1168, and jmiller@cwa-union.org and cjohnson@cwa-union.org

Washington, D.C. -- Newsroom reporters, commercial employees, television technicians, writers and other workers in the news industry are standing up to media owners and corporations that are seeking to slash newspaper jobs to generate higher profits.

A "Day of Action" is set for Monday, Dec. 11, when members of TNG-CWA and other unions will alert the public that the quality and diversity of news coverage that readers now depend on is at risk, as corporations focus on building profits, not comprehensive news coverage.

TNG-CWA has launched a new web site, www.savejournalism.org, with information about the jobs that have been lost and the effects these cutbacks have on quality news. The site also will include updates about actions planned for Dec. 11 and other developments in the news industry.

"News industry workers are taking the lead in the fight to preserve quality journalism," said TNG-CWA President Linda Foley. "Across the country, workers will be standing together for journalism and against growing efforts by corporate owners to slash the jobs and resources that serve our communities."

More than 44,000 news industry employees lost their jobs between 2001 and June 2006, at least 34,000 of them at newspapers alone. Thousands more cuts have been announced or threatened in just the past few weeks, at newspapers in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Jose, Calif., St. Paul, Minn., and other cities, serving large and small communities.

As a result, "today, throughout the country, there are fewer journalists, fewer diverse media voices, less news and a public that is under-informed," Foley said. "That's why we're asking the public to join us -- for democracy's sake -- to say no to cutting the jobs of journalists and all workers whose work supports good journalism."

The Federal Communications Commission will hold its second public hearing on media ownership issues in Nashville, Tenn., on Dec. 11, and TNG-CWA members from several locals will be out in force, speaking out against allowing corporations to own more media outlets, a change the FCC is considering. At the first FCC hearing in Los Angeles, more than 1,000 people turned out to express overwhelming opposition to the changes that would harm journalism, readers and communities.

Among events already on the schedule:

• TNG-CWA members in Pittsburgh will hold a Dec. 11 news conference and other actions to focus on their efforts to keep quality journalism at the Post-Gazette.

• In San Jose, newspaper workers will get an early start by wearing black on Monday, Dec. 4, the date workers are slated to receive word of potential layoffs. Other TNG-CWA locals also are planning events that day to support workers at the San Jose Mercury News.

• Newspaper workers at the Philadelphia Inquirer are continuing to bargain in the face of a contract extension that expires midnight tonight, Nov. 30. TNG-CWA members are facing major demands for givebacks from the newspaper's new owner.

TNG-CWA members also are planning community events and workshops, inside actions to show solidarity and support, and will distribute stickers, wrist bands and bumper stickers as the campaign continues.

For updates and more news, go to www.savejournalism.org.