Michelle Stanistreet, general secretary of the National Union of Journalists, calls for a bold News Recovery Plan to ensure that quality local and national journalism can sustain through the immediate Covid-19 crisis, and a package of economic stimulus measures that will ensure journalists play their full part in the recovery, and reinvigorate and re- imagine the sector into the future across the UK and Ireland.


In a mater of weeks, the Covid-19 crisis has transformed life as we knew it. Economies at home and abroad are flailing as a virus continues to upend economic, societal and governmental norms. Te impact is both macro and micro, nationwide and local. Our ability to look aſter and care for loved ones is compromised as movement is restricted, jobs are furloughed and pay is cut, whilst the fear or reality of illness is, respectively, prevalent and terrifying.


With our lives stripped back, the value of our public services is felt profoundly at a time when they are under unprecedented strain, struggling to cope, with some at breaking point.


Journalists have demonstrated their vital role in the spectrum of essential public services. Media workers are working around the clock to ensure the public has access to timely, reliable and accurate information.


On a daily basis public service broadcasting is informing, educating and entertaining us and our families in difficult times. Broadcasters have reached record audience figures on all platforms, across all demographics. Local newspapers are being turned to for relevant incisive content, their journalists determined to reflect honestly the impact on the communities they serve, providing insight and scrutiny in challenging circumstances.


During uncertain times the value of proper journalism, impartial news and trusted editorial content, is clearer than ever. Yet our industry’s fragility is laid bare at this time of greatest need. Te media industry was already struggling, in some parts broken. Te economic shockwaves of lockdown is pushing many companies, big and small, to the brink – jeopardising the livelihoods of staff and freelance reporters and photographers and


causing damage that could be irreparable.


At a time when their content is more vital than ever, newspaper groups are furloughing staff, and cuting the pay of those who are working flat out to provide life-saving news and information. At a time when staff welfare and journalistic service should come first, some companies are playing fast and loose with their obligations to consult with the NUJ over the impact to staff and editorial content. A cynical ‘never waste a crisis’ approach cannot be allowed to further compromise already stretched standards and resources.


Journalists need to be valued and their livelihoods protected. Casualisation in the industry has deepened over many years, and this pandemic has liſted the lid on opaque employment status and the lack of state support for freelances and the self-employed. Te NUJ’s lobbying helped yield the financial support made available in the UK and Ireland – but more needs to be done to fill in the clear gaps in provision. Targeted measures aimed at supporting jobs and quality journalism, and bolstering independent, diverse, ethically- produced content are needed.


Specific intervention is needed to protect and invest in hyperlocal and community enterprises. Tese have provided much-needed diversity and proactivity in the press sector yet are especially vulnerable. Tat is


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