IFJ Worried by Lay-offs in China Media

On International Labour Day, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is concerned by reports that media outlets in China and Hong Kong are using the excuse of the global financial crisis to lay off workers and reduce their benefits despite maintaining good revenue flows.

 

The IFJ urges media businesses in China to refrain from staff cuts and reductions in workers’ benefits, and to recognise that decent working conditions are essential for providing a quality news service.

 

Press freedom is also a significant factor in promoting quality media. As World Press Freedom Day approaches on May 3, the IFJ also reminds governments at all levels in China of their obligations to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression, enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

 

Article 19 states that everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and of expression. This right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference, and to impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers.

 

However, the press freedom situation in China remains worrying. Since early this year, China’s Central Government has stepped up censorship on online reporting and imposed new restrictions on various topics.

 

In addition, a new regulation requires that all Mainland news assistants working for foreign organisations be employed through the Government’s Personnel Service Corporation. They are required to report only “positive information”.

 

Meanwhile, provincial officials in the territories have blocked foreign press and media based in Hong Kong and Macau from interviewing people, even though regulations introduced in October 2008 and February 2009 permit them to do so where interviewees give their consent.

 

Macau’s officials have been especially restrictive, twice barring a Hong Kong journalist from entering the territory to conduct his work.

 

The IFJ notes that China’s President, Hu Jiantao, pledged at the CPC National Congress in October 2007 to uphold the right to access information. This right is also included in the National Human Rights Action Plan of China (2009-2010).

 

The IFJ calls on China’s Government and authorities at all levels to honour Mr Hu’s promise across the country and all territories.

 

For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0919

 

The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 120 countries