Tag: PressFreedom

Scrapping Copy Desk Risks Times’ Credibility

By Grant Glickson

The New York Times announcement that it would offer buyouts and eliminate editors prompted the response below from the president of The NewsGuild of New York.

NewsGuild of New York journalists have been continuously breaking news for months. The first on the scene in many national and international stories, our members have meticulously handed their respective news organizations scoops with potentially huge consequences for our democracy. Continue reading “Scrapping Copy Desk Risks Times’ Credibility”

Guild Fights UMN’s Investigation of Source

Guild member Jennifer Bjorhus delivers the petition to a university official.

When the Minnesota Newspaper and Communications Guild learned in May that the University of Minnesota was investigating the source of leaks about a sexual harassment complaint against an employee, members stepped up. Continue reading “Guild Fights UMN’s Investigation of Source”

Journalists, Citizens Win Legal Victory

Third Circuit Court of Appeals Rules in Favor of Right to Video-Record Police

The Third Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the right of journalists – and ordinary citizens – to video-record police in a public setting. The NewsGuild-CWA was among the 30+ organizations that filed a “friend of the court” brief asserting that recording police officers under such circumstances was a First Amendment right.

For more on the ruling, click here.

War on Journalists Escalates

NewsGuild-CWA Lauds ‘Heroes of the Moment’

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”

NewsGuild-CWA Condemns Arrest of WV Reporter

‘This is my job. This is what I’m supposed to do.’

Updated May 19, 2017  to include letters of protest.

May 10, 2017 – “The NewsGuild-CWA condemns the arrest of radio reporter Dan Heyman on May 9, 2017,” said President Bernie Lunzer. “This is a chilling attack on the right to report. Every journalist across the country should take notice.” Continue reading “NewsGuild-CWA Condemns Arrest of WV Reporter”

Journalists Mark Press Freedom Day with Campaign for the ‘Right to Report’

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’”

In First-Ever Coordinated Actions, GateHouse, DFM Workers Stand Up for Press Freedom

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”

Workers at Digital First Media, GateHouse Join Forces on Press Freedom Day

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”

As World Press Freedom Day Approaches, ‘Right to Report’ Campaign Takes Off

As World Press Freedom Day – May 3 – approaches, journalists are launching a campaign to protect the Right to Report, says NewsGuild-CWA President Bernie Lunzer. He is urging all those who treasure freedom of the press to sign a petition and join the fight to protect this treasured right.

Continue reading “As World Press Freedom Day Approaches, ‘Right to Report’ Campaign Takes Off”