The NUJ has written to the Camp for Climate Action expressing deep concern at the restrictions they intend to impose on the media covering their Climate Camp at Heathrow Airport, and called on them to reconsider as a matter of urgency.
In his letter to the group NUJ Freelance Organiser John Toner said: “While I can understand your apprehension that coverage of the camp by mainstream media could be negative, the conditions you have stipulated are guaranteed to attract criticism from all professional journalists, whether supportive of, or hostile to, your views.”
Camp for Climate Action has stated that media will only be permitted on site between 11 am and noon; that they must be accompanied and identified with a flag; must stick with the tour; that some journalists will not be allowed on site and that a “black-list” will be operated. Sympathetic journalists will be given longer access.
In his letter, Mr Toner warned the them: “You should be aware that journalists of all political views and none are united in their abhorrence of restrictions on media access, and that you risk alienating even “sympathetic” journalists by your behaviour.
“I am sure your organisation believes in openness and transparency, and that you would criticise public bodies who fall short of those aspirations. Your stated intention to avoid openness imitates the behaviour of those organisations you criticise.
“Alternatively, by allowing the media more open access you will impress all journalists, and even those you consider hostile to your aims will have something positive to report about the event.”