New Delhi, 19 October 2020: COVID-19 has hit hard the media sector, like the others, across the globe. Journalism and its workforce in India too are in crisis. A survey undertaken by IJU affiliates in five States: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Kerala and Sikkim reveals that print media has taken most of the brunt, with electronic and digital media following. And journalists across the board –be it big, medium or small media-- have suffered with lay-offs, salary cuts, forced furloughs, stressful working hours etc being resorted to following slump in advertisement revenue, closure of media organisation or editions, downsizing measures, etc. However, the impact is less in some States.

Be that as it may, the journalist unions across the country need to understand these unprecedented challenges in depth, impact of economic downturn, strategise the need to fight for journalists’ rights amidst new labour codes, protect press freedom, tap Gen-Next to join its fold et al. The State affiliates and the IJU have thus together embarked on #JoinTheUnion campaign to strengthen the movement. We believe, together we are not only stronger but can make a difference. Please share the campaign, journalists’ voice must be heard and enrol as members with our members.