news Pay and recognition win at Wyvex Media


NUJ members at Wyvex Media have secured formal trade union recognition, alongside a new house agreement that delivers transparent pay scales and a 7.3 per cent pay rise. The agreement marks a


significant step forward for journalists at the Scotland- based media company, which publishes several well-known titles including The Oban Times and Scottish Field. Andy Curry, NUJ organiser,


said: “To come together and win union recognition followed by a substantial pay rise in quick succession speaks to the tenacity and determination of our members at Wyvex Media. “Our members have worked incredibly hard through a


“We hope to continue with an understanding of mutual support, producing thriving and successful papers and magazines.” A Wyvex Media


period of turmoil and uncertainty at the company. They have also been facing significant financial pressures due to the cost-of-living crisis, making this agreement all the more important.” The deal was agreed


following a successful recognition campaign by NUJ members and establishes clear, transparent pay


structures for journalists, providing greater fairness and security for staff. Kathie Griffiths, Wyvex Media chapel representative, said: “We’re delighted to secure NUJ recognition and a decent pay deal. “We look forward to


continuing our open, healthy and productive relationship with Wyvex Media.


spokesperson told Hold the Front Page: “Prior to engagement with the NUJ, we were in the process of addressing historical anomalies within the editorial department and this reorganisation has resulted in some salaries in the department increasing beyond the negotiated 3 per cent annual pay award.” • If you’re looking to


organise and unionise your workplace and would like support from the NUJ, please contact campaigns@ nuj.org.uk.


Telegraph takeover under scrutiny


THE PROPOSED takeover of the Telegraph Media Group by the Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT) may need to be referred for regulatory scrutiny, UK culture secretary Lisa Nandy has indicated. DMGT announced it had


agreed a £500 million deal with RedBird IMI in late November, soon after the US


private equity firm abandoned its own takeover bid. In January, Nandy said in a written statement: “Following a thorough consideration of the terms set out in the derogation request and independent research, my department has today written to the current and proposed


owners of the Telegraph Media Group on my behalf to inform them that I am minded to intervene. This will enable the necessary regulatory scrutiny to commence.” DMGT already owns a 50.6


per cent share of the daily national print newspaper market through the Daily Mail, Metro and the i,


according to data provided to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Laura Davison, NUJ general


secretary, said: “Regulatory scrutiny would be welcomed by the NUJ, and we will consult members at the Telegraph before responding to any investigation. “More generally, the NUJ


has long been expressing concerns about the consolidation and concentration of media ownership in the UK. “Media plurality is vital in a


functioning democracy and for the overall health of journalism, which is why the union wants to see a maximum market share set at 25 per cent across all platforms and on each of radio, television, newspapers and online.”


NOTTINGHAM-BASED freelance photographer Pete Jenkins has been made a Life Member of the NUJ. Chair of the Nottingham branch Ben Cooper presented Pete with his certificate to mark the occasion. Pete joined the NUJ towards the end of 1985 and has played


an active role in the union over the past 40 years. He has served on the national executive council, was pivotal in the establishment of a photographers’ council, and has held the position of welfare officer at the Nottingham branch for many years. Paying tribute to his commitment to the union, Ben said: “On behalf of the branch, I was honoured to present Pete with his Life Member certificate. It is a huge achievement to notch up 40 years in the union and we congratulate Pete on this milestone.”


04 | theJournalist


Photographer Pete awarded life membership of the union NUJ regional organiser Chris Morley also paid tribute to


Pete’s work for the union and in particular for his support for photographers and freelances, and thanked him for his dedication. Pete launched his career in the 1980s covering rugby and quickly began supplying photos to all the Fleet Street publications. He later diversified by covering conferences and events. Pete said: “I am extremely proud to have been made


a Life Member of the NUJ, an organisation that I have now been a member of for more than 40 years. Sometimes it is hard to believe that I have been doing this since the early 1980s, having become a full-time professional in 1983 the years have just flown by.”


Pete Jenkins presented with life membership by Nottingham branch chair Ben Cooper


“


To win union recognition and a substantial pay rise speaks to the tenacity and determination of our members


Andy Curry NUJ organiser


2026 PETE JENKINS


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