NUJ organises anti-redundancy event

The event, which will take place at the union's Grey's Inn Road headquarters on 24 January, will focus on why journalism is still crucial and how staff can effectively challenge proposed reductions of staff and any other undesirable conditions.

NUJ broadcasting organiser Paul McLaughlin said: "NUJ members working in broadcasting are facing big staff and budget cuts - the same challenges being faced by journalists across all media.

"We're witnessing a massive reduction in local and regional journalism at ITV and commercial radio news is seriously understaffed.

"Meanwhile the rejection of plans for BBC Local has left our members at the BBC concerned about the corporation's commitment to journalism in the nations and regions.

"Now, more than ever, we need to join together in our strategies to ensure that ill-thought out short-term savings don't undermine the future of quality journalism."

Last year the industry was rocked by wide spread job losses on the back of a weakening ad market and economy. The union has warned journalists to expect further cuts this year if the economy fails to improve.

ITV has already restructured its news teams as part of plans to make about 1,000 of its employees redundant by March this year, including 429 regional news staff.

Before Christmas, Channel 4 revealed its job losses would hit 200, reducing staff numbers by nearly 20%, while Five has brought in consultancy firm Eden McCallum and has warned that job losses are on the cards.

The BBC has already made wide ranging cuts, but the worsening property market has prompted it to look again at where more cost savings can be made.

The 24 January event is free for NUJ members.

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