Say No to Sarko - Stand Up for French Journalism on 29 January

Independent, quality journalism in France is under threat from a hostile government.

The integrity of news agency Agence France Presse (AFP) is being called into question by demands to reform its founding statutes.

There are major concerns about how public service broadcaster France Television will be able to continue functioning as advertising revenues are withdrawn. The independence of the service is also in doubt following a government decision that the broadcaster’s top executive will in future be hand picked by the Elysée.

Leading French journalists have been harassed. Some have even been arrested at home. It’s time to say enough is enough.

On January 29, French trade unions have organised a day of action to protest about the government’s attacks on jobs and public services. French journalists will be taking part to highlight the particular threats posed to our trade.

We need as many NUJ Paris members as possible to protest alongside our French colleagues, to show that they have our full support in their campaign to protect quality independent journalism in this country.

Members in Paris should meet at Place de Bastille, at the intersection with Boulevard Beaumarchais at 13h45. (See Map Below). Look out for the NUJ banner or the banners of the French Journalists’ unions, for example SNJ or SNJ-CGT.

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If you live outside of Paris, try to take part in a demonstration near you. You can find more information on the websites of the French unions.

 SNJ
 SNJ-CGT
 CFDT
 FO

In a democracy, free, independent journalism is vital. Please take time to stand up for journalism on January 29.