Wednesday, 17 December 2008

NUJ backs campaign to keep AFP independent

The NUJ is joining with a French journalists' union (SNJ-CGT) in what it claims is a crucial battle to preserve the editorial independence of Agence France-Presse, France's national news agency.
According to the NUJ, journalists at the news agency are concerned that it is coming under pressures to change its founding statutes, which have underpinned its independence for over half a century. Under a French law passed in 1957 AFP enjoys a unique status, intended to ensure its structural independence both from the state and from any other "ideological, political or economic grouping".
NUJ deputy general secretary Michelle Stanistreet said: “AFP is one of the world's oldest international news agencies, employing some 1,250 journalists and photographers in more than 100 bureaux around the world. We’re calling on NUJ members to support the campaign to show solidarity towards journalists who are fearful for their editorial independence.”
The NUJ is asking members to support the campaign by signing an online petition.

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