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Resolution 11
Future of Local Newspapers
(1)
This conference notes the ongoing crisis in the regional newspaper industry that has
seen over 140 newspapers close since 2011.
(2)
In that time further waves of redundancies and budget cuts have hit journalists
working in local and regional newspapers, with photographers being particularly
badly hit in recent months as companies increasingly turn to free so-called “user
generated” images and content to fill their pages. Companies have also created
“regional subbing hubs”, in the process transferring work from local communities
these newspapers are supposed to serve and reflect, losing jobs and longstanding
local knowledge and expertise.
(3)
Conference notes that a quarter of local government areas are not covered by a local
newspaper and 35 per cent of local government areas are covered by only a single
news outlet. In 55 per cent of local government areas the same four companies have
majority ownership of the local market.
Reduced staffing levels have not been accompanied by a reduction in work, and
(4)
unacceptable workloads and stress for those remaining has reached disturbing
levels. The lack of resources also means readers are being shortchanged and once
bread-and-butter functions of local newspapers – such as covering council meetings
and courts – are being jettisoned because reporters are so thin on the ground.
(5)
Conference notes the efforts of the NUJ in defending jobs and standing up for quality
journalism – a vital part of local democracy, holding politicians and businesses to
account and providing vital information as well as entertainment.
(6)
Conference therefore calls on the GFTU to campaign vigorously to protect local and
regional journalism, and for changes that will allow greater plurality of ownership
and better standards of journalism.
(7)
Conference further supports calls for a government-commissioned inquiry into
the crisis, which will look at new models of ownership and allow newspapers to
be protected with community asset status, which will limit owners’ ability to close
publications overnight and allow more time for consultation on their future.
Resolution 12
Representation on GFTU Executive Committee
(1)
SUE Executive committee reaffirms the importance and value to our members of
GTFU affiliation. In particular we commend the education courses through which
many of our members have gained new skills and experience.
(2)
SUE wish to support the future expansion of GFTU affiliates and encourage those non
affiliated unions to join. In particular we feel that affiliation is of significant value to
those smaller organisation like ourselves, who whilst modest in membership number
are mighty in terms of the impact we have at the workplace on behalf of members.
(3)
As part of efforts from GFTU to attract other affiliates it is important that their voices
are heard and are properly represented on the GFTU executive committee.
We therefore call for the GFTU to bring forward a rule change that would facilitate
smaller organisations being represented on the GFTU executive and urge affiliates to
support such a rule change should it be tabled.
Implementation
Support was given to the attempt by
the NUJ at the Rotheram Advertiser
to remove a redundancy notice
against their FoC Bro. Phil Turner.
Representations were made to
management.
This resolution was implemented.