large letters.
for the fire fighters!
Right of reply. Almost all news is put together by members of the National Union of Journalists. The NUJ has a code of conduct. which all members undertake to abide by. It is DaCKCO 0y disciplinary powers, and member can bring a complaint against any other member. This is what clause 4 of the code states:
*A jourealist shall rectify prompily any harmful inaccuracies, ensure that correction and apologies receive due prominence and afford the right of reply to persons criticised when the issue is of sufficient importance. It is with the fire fighters that the right of reply primarily bies, so make sure your local FBU branch knows about clause 4.
And whenever the media presents a 'concerned citizen' denouncing fighters, demand that a statement of support from your union branch, trades women's group, or other organisation is published. The fire fighters are being bombarded with every lie that the mass media can dredge up. On Monday morning, the banner headlines spelt out 'scah' in very But the bosses' press "freedom" is not inviolable. After all it is trades So here is a fight-back checklist on the road to press freedom — and victory Press releases. Make sure one is sent to every local news editor.
Phone-ins. Don't presume that only assorted reactionaries ever get on. Demand to be any heard!
Who to contact. Never take No for an answer. If the editor or reporter doesn't want to know, ask to speak to the union representatives, or arrange a deputation to meet them.
On local papers. the involved are: NUJ (edicorial), NGA (type. setting and machine TOOm), (clerical and printing), work), and SOGAT (distribution). national papers, the engineering and electricians unions are also involved. On local radio fire the main unions are: NUJ and ABS. lelevision, NUJ. ABS. council, If all else fails: then why not arrange a picket or lobby of your local media? And keep this checklist handy for the next strike.