The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) has urged newsrooms and news organizations to address the concerns of their employees following reports of a potential shutdown of media company CNN Philippines. The NUJP expressed concern that those producing content for the channel are the last to know about the situation.
In a statement released on Friday, the NUJP highlighted the lack of communication between network management and media workers regarding their future. The union emphasized that it is common for those who produce content and are most affected by corporate decisions to be left in the dark until the last moment.
Reports suggest that CNN Philippines and its parent company, Nine Media Corporation, have decided not to continue their licensing agreement due to significant financial losses. The NUJP hopes that if any layoffs are announced, affected personnel will receive appropriate severance packages.
The NUJP also emphasized the need for workplace organizing to ensure that employees are kept informed about corporate developments that may impact their careers. The union called on management in other newsrooms and news organizations to proactively address similar concerns of their employees, emphasizing the importance of clear lines of communication and employee participation in decisions that affect their daily lives.
The NUJP criticized the apparent cruelty of employees having to learn about their company’s potential plans through news reports and gossip, rather than from their leadership. The union pointed out the irony of media workers being expected to be constantly updated on current issues but being kept in the dark about pressing workplace matters.
As of now, there has been no response from Nine Media Corporation chairman D. Edgard Cabangon regarding the status of CNN Philippines.
CNN Philippines has been on the air since 2015, following a licensing agreement between Nine Media and Turner Broadcasting System. The channel boasts notable anchors such as Rico Hizon, Pia Hontiveros, Ruth Cabal, and Pinky Webb.
The NUJP’s call for action serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and open communication within news organizations. It highlights the need for management to prioritize the well-being and concerns of their employees, particularly during times of potential upheaval.
In an industry that thrives on delivering timely and accurate information, it is disheartening to see media workers left uninformed about their own futures. As the NUJP rightly points out, media workers deserve clear lines of communication and a say in matters that affect their careers and daily lives.
The NUJP’s call to address similar concerns in other newsrooms and news organizations is a reminder that this issue is not isolated. It underscores the need for industry-wide action to ensure that media workers are treated with respect and dignity.
Ultimately, the NUJP’s statement serves as a rallying cry for the media industry to prioritize the well-being of its workforce and to foster an environment of open communication and transparency.
Source: The Manila Times
