arch/ive/ief (2000 - 2005)
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UK hournalists announce actions by NUJ (posted by raf) Saturday, Jan. 31, 2004 at 4:17 PM |
BBC journalists hit back at Hutton January 30 2004 JOURNALISTS in the BBC’s London newsrooms have angrily rejected Lord Hutton’s criticisms of their journalism and the BBC Governors’ apology to the Prime Minister.
At a big meeting at the TV Centre today (Friday) the NUJ's BBC London branch -- representing hundreds of staff at BBC News -- voted to defend the BBC’s independence and support a nation-wide union protest planned for next week.
The resolution they passed unanimously read as follows:
“Dr Kelly's death was a tragic loss to his family, friends and profession. He was known and well respected by journalists at the BBC.
“Members of the NUJ at the BBC in London express dismay at the one-sided conclusions of the Hutton report. We stand by the right of the journalist, the programme and the Corporation to have broadcast the remarks of Dr Kelly.
“The NUJ rejects the suggestion of Lord Hutton that the BBC's editorial system is seriously flawed and urges the management to consult with the NUJ on any changes to its editorial procedures.
“The NUJ urges the news management team to join us in a robust defence of the BBC's journalistic independence.
“The NUJ regrets the resignation of Greg Dyke and distances itself from the unreserved apology issued by Lord Ryder.
“To mark our anger at the unfair and one-sided conclusions reached by Lord Hutton, members of the NUJ working in news and current affairs will hold a rally to assert our independence of Government. We will also lobby members of Parliament to demonstrate that we will not accept attempts to compromise the BBC's independence."
The journalists will hold a rally next Thursday, February 5, from 12 noon to 2pm, outside their offices – as will BBC staff in every centre throughout the UK. The protests are organised by the BBC unions, the NUJ, BECTU and Amicus.
NUJ branches throughout the BBC have been holding meetings and voting to support the protests. Members expressed outrage at the Hutton Report and the BBC Governors’ response. Yesterday there were walkouts in London, Cardiff, Derry and other centres.