Today the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) and its members, unions and associations of journalists across the region, mark the  Stand Up for Journalism Day, an annual event which takes place on 5 November.

The Stand Up for Journalism campaign was launched in 2007 on issues of concern to all who value media and democracy - decent jobs and professional rights for journalists. On this day, journalists across Europe focus on the challenges they meet in their daily work through debates, demonstrations or collective actions.

"This is the time to Stand Up for Journalism and to fight together for our rights. It is a day when we give real meaning to the notion of professional solidarity." said EFJ President Arne König. "We in journalism understand better than anyone why democracy needs quality media.  Journalists' unions and associations are rightly taking a lead in bringing these issues to the table of all - government, policymakers and civil society alike."

In Brussels, the EFJ and the AGJPB/ABVV (Belgian association of journalists) have unveiled a banner on the International Press Center calling for Ethical journalism, Quality information, Real democracy .

One year after the beginning of the global financial crisis which has severely affected media workers through restructurings and massive lay-offs, the future of journalism and media remains bleak.

The EFJ and its members call for a European campaign to revive commitments to media freedom, independent reporting, public service values in information media and quality journalism as well as better working conditions in the media industry. 

European journalists are forced to defend the profession against a range of challenges  including  political interference, commercial pressure, " tabloidisation" of news information, media ownership concentration, lower income for journalists, casualisation of working conditions, threats and violent attacks.

http://europe.ifj.org/en/pages/efj-campaigns-stand-up-for-journalism

The EFJ represents over 260,000 journalists in 30 countries.

For more information contact the EFJ at +32 2 235.2200

 

Association Générale des Journalistes Professionnels de Belgique : www.agjpb.be

Algemene Vereniging van BeroepsJournalisten in België: www.avbb.be