Impact of Covid-19 on media and impunity for crimes against Journalists were widely discussed in a workshop organized by Journalists Union of Assam (JUA) today at Barpeta Road. The workshop was a part of International Federation of Journalists’ End Impunity and Union to Union strengthening project.

JUA demanded legislation of an act by Assam Government protecting journalists in line with Maharashtra government. JUA also demanded publication of s white paper on progress of investigation of killings of 32 Journalists in the state since 1990. The workshop asked the state government to financially assist the Covid- 19 affected journalists.

JUA appeals media houses not to pass the economic burden on employees / journalists and ensure wage protection against fluctuation of revenue market for sustenance. The workshop urged the state government to announce economic package for media houses to cope up with the crisis.

The workshop also discussed challenges of digitalization of media and asks journalists to adapt themselves in the new media environment. JUA asked all the stakeholders of media to assess positive impact of digitalization to deal with the present crisis. JUA also appealed media houses to tap opportunities brought by digitalization to compensate revenue loss due to Covid-19.

JUA strongly opposed bringing digital media under I&B Ministry and demanded transforming Press Council of India into Media Council and bringing all forms of media under its regulation.

JUA criticizes the state government for announcing awards to Journalists for best coverage of the government schemes which the Journalists body thinks violation of media freedom . JUA also demanded to suitably amend the press accreditation rules to recognize all form of media and to extend facilities needed for fair coverage of news.