Statement on death of Jason Arday
The NUJ has responded to the death of Jason Arday, former Cambridge University professor.
Laura Davison, NUJ general secretary, said:
Any members who are affected or would like to share their views should contact the union.“Jason Arday’s death is desperately sad. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues and fellow trade unionists at this time.
“Arday has been the subject of intense media coverage and public discourse, and his death has caused deep concern and anger. It is appropriate that this strength of feeling is recognised and there should be a period of careful reflection. All media organisations should reflect on their coverage and we will be consulting our members for their views and experiences.
"There has been significant criticism of the media, rooted in legitimate concerns over aspects of coverage. However it is important to recognise the role of journalists in keeping the public informed, and to avoid language that brands all media workers as unprofessional and unethical. We condemn attacks against individual journalists - including Black journalists - who have been targeted with threats, harassment or racial slurs following Arday's death. These attacks risk fueling divisions and deepening the distress already felt by so many. No worker should be subject to abuse while doing their job. Employers must provide proper support and safeguarding to journalists affected.
“The NUJ Code of Conduct is an ethical framework for journalists carrying out their work. The Code states that journalists should not produce ‘material likely to lead to hatred or discrimination on the grounds of a person’s age, gender, race, colour, creed, legal status, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation.’
“That one of the highest profile critics of Arday was Nathan Cofnas, a former Cambridge academic and self-described 'race realist', is deeply concerning. Racism, ableism and pernicious rhetoric against diversity, equity and inclusion has become increasingly normalised in our society. The NUJ vigorously opposes the rehabilitation of discredited ideas on race in academia, and emphasises the importance of journalistic verification - including checking the background and motivation of sources.
“The union will continue its long-running campaigns for ethical journalism - including strengthened independent regulation, better access to the industry, greater diversity in newsrooms, and reform of media ownership. Individual journalists must also have the power to object to unethical industry practices. Central to this is trade union recognition and the protection offered by collective agreements as well as the introduction of conscience clauses in staff and freelance contracts.”