(Updated June 1) May 31, 2017 – Workers at 16 publications owned by the New Media Investment Group – the parent company of GateHouse Media – won a stunning victory on May 25, when shareholders voted overwhelmingly in favor of a proposal offered by the NewsGuild-CWA’s St. Louis-based local, the United Media Guild. Continue reading “Workers at GateHouse Publications Win Stunning Victory at Shareholders Meeting”
May 30, 2017 – The people of Chicago are in danger of losing the Chicago Sun-Times, one of the city’s two major daily newspapers, members of the Chicago News Guild report.
The danger is the result of a proposed a sale to the parent company of the Sun-Times’ only real competitor, the Chicago Tribune. The impending sale also will affect The Reader, a free alternative weekly known for its in-depth coverage of Chicago politics and culture. Continue reading “Chicago NewsGuild: Say ‘No’ to Newspaper Monopoly”
May 25 – “Hatred of the media has been stoked by the president of the United States and some who support him — and the results are not surprising,” said NewsGuild-CWA President Bernie Lunzer when he learned of the assault on Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs by a candidate for Congress.
“Ben Jacobs – and all journalists who ask tough questions in search of the truth – are among the heroes of the moment,” he added. “They are acting on behalf of the American people – asking questions, reporting facts, filling in the blanks, and making connections.” Continue reading “Trump to Blame for Rash of Attacks on Reporters, NewsGuild-CWA Says”
AT&T workers who are members of Communications Workers of America (CWA) walked off the job May 19 for a three-day strike, protesting AT&T’s failure to present serious proposals that invest in good jobs with a future. During the job action this weekend, a majority of AT&T wireless, wireline and DIRECTV workers fighting for their contracts are expected to be on strike. Click here to read more.
May 19, 2017 – Barely noticed in a May 16 New York Times article by NewsGuild-CWA member Michael S. Schmidt was this gem:
“Alone in the Oval Office, Mr. Trump began the discussion by condemning leaks to the news media, saying that Mr. Comey should consider putting reporters in prison for publishing classified information, according to one of Mr. Comey’s associates.” Continue reading “War on Journalists Escalates”
May 4, 2017 – Statement by President Chris Shelton, Communications Workers of America, on the proposed health care plan introduced last night by House Republicans:
We’re still learning about the health care plan proposed by House Republicans. It’s clear, however, that the legislation provides a big tax giveaway to corporations and the 1 percent, while working families, seniors and children are stuck picking up the tab. Continue reading “CWA Condemns House Healthcare Bill”
Members of the NewsGuild-CWA marked World Press Freedom Day on May 3 by launching a campaign to protect the Right to Report. The union is asking all those who treasure freedom of the press to sign a petition and join the fight to protect this cherished right.
Continue reading “Journalists Mark Press Freedom Day with Campaign for the ‘Right to Report’”
May 4, 2017 – NewsGuild-CWA members at 28 digital media companies owned by Gatehouse Media and Digital First Media (DFM) observed World Press Freedom Day on May 3 with coordinated actions to support quality journalism at the papers and to highlight the damage wrought by severe cuts in their newsrooms and other departments.
The activities, which included rallies and displays of signs and banners at work stations, aimed to raise awareness of the growing threat that “vulture” hedge funds pose to the nation’s community newspapers. Union leaders say the newspaper owners’ excessive profiteering threatens journalism at a critical time of politicized attacks on the news media. The events marked the first coordinated acts of solidarity by GateHouse and DFM workers. Continue reading “In First-Ever Coordinated Actions, GateHouse, DFM Workers Stand Up for Press Freedom”
Managers at the Boston Herald got an unwelcome surprise after they suspended reporter Chris Villani – allegedly for violating the company’s social media policy. The 2013 policy, which requires reporters to get approval from the Executive Editor or his designee prior to tweeting breaking news, had never been enforced before.
Reporters launched a Twitter boycott – blacking out their profile images and refraining from tweeting. Continue reading “Boston Herald Employees Boycott Twitter After Management Suspends Reporter”
Unionized workers at media outlets owned by GateHouse Media and Digital First Media (DFM) will mark World Press Freedom Day – May 3 – by sending a message to their employers: “Democracy Depends on Journalism: Invest in Us.”
Continue reading “Workers at Digital First Media, GateHouse Join Forces on Press Freedom Day”
