The NUJ is calling on its members to join the debate, beginning with an event in London this Thursday.

The BNP's election victories have brought a new urgency to questions about how journalists should report fascists and racists. There is a danger that racist ideas that ten years ago would have been considered unacceptable could become part of the daily business of politics.

Media workers are confronted with new dilemmas. How should broadcasters handle the requirement for balance whilst not promoting racist and fascist views? How do we best show the threat the BNP pose to media freedom? How should we organise in the workplace to defend equal rights for our members and quality journalism? How should we react to BNP threats to journalists who expose their real views about equality, race and freedom of speech? How do members in PR deal with racist councillors?

The union is calling on its members to join in the discussion and help plan the campaign to stand up for journalists and journalism in the face of new threats and challenges.

Date: Thursday 18 June
Time: 6.30pm
Venue: NUJ headquarters, 308 Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1X 8DP

Chair: Jeremy Dear, General Secretary, NUJ Speakers invited from: BBC, Channel 4, NUJ Black Members’ Council, Ethics Council and anti-racist campaigns To register, email campaigns@nuj.org.uk

If you can't make it you can send us your views by emailing: campaigns@nuj.org.uk.
Follow-up events outside London are also being organised, email us to be kept up to date.

 

Published: 12 June 2009