The executive of the National Union of Journalists is to consider a recommenda tion from its general purposes sub-committee for an NUJ inquiry into state interference in the work of journalists, at its meeting on 4 Jannary.
The Action Committee for the Defence of Journalists, which first formulated the proposal-now backed up by 10 NUU branches-Bas informed the executive that il welcomes this response.
Il points out, however, that the inquiry should not be solely carried out by executive members: that other medin unions should be involved; and that the inquiry's report must include recommen dations for action by media and other the campaign, and the Action Committee has been invited to hold a meeting at the House of Commons At a public meeting held by the Action Committee last week, numerous examples were given on the nature of SWESTOUS CLOs eenu WAIT! LESS ring more of Maggie in the calumns of "Red Weekly" in the New Year Ten Labour Mi's are now supporting NAME...... State interference in the media, including the deliberate planting of false informa tion hy the police and the army.
SOGAT organiser Maurice Suckling stressed that journalists must demonstrate to ollier workers that they regard them selves as sharing the same class interests.
He said that the present campaign is an important step in this direction.
Referring to the attacks on Mary Holland, who committed the indescribable offence of inteniewing David O'Connell, Ron Knowles editor of the NUU's journal -said that a situation is heing created "wieneby any journalists who value ar cast their income, let alone their reputaSubscribe to Red FOREIGN: tien, will not be able to talk to anyone who stongly dissents from acceprod viens of society!
The case of Toie Our editor David May, who went on trial this week, wat also highlighred by the meeting. The ACDi has made it clear that it regards action both inside and outside the courts as essential il journalists are to be adequately delended against attacks by the State. If May is convicted, the Committee will immediately call a meeting to discuss necessary action. This meeting will be advertised in dhe Dik Press Gazette and Time Ont.
Dick Brinsley Weekly !
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