NUJ reaction to targeting of ITV News and Channel 4 News
London protestors occupied media headquarters and targeted journalists.
The NUJ has condemned the actions of anti-vaccine protestors who occupied the London headquarters of ITV News and Channel 4 News this afternoon, targeted journalists including the Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snow.
NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet said:
"Journalists have to be free to go about their work without abuse and harassment. It is disturbing and concerning to see the vitriol being expressed against media workers – rhetoric that has been whipped up and cynically exploited in some quarters. Today’s occupation is not an isolated example – it’s the latest in a series of incidents in which reporters and photographers have been hounded and abused – in the streets, in their workplaces and even at their home. More needs to be done by the police and by employers to step up security and clamp down on abuse."