New Delhi : The National Union of Journalists-India (NUJ(I) expressed grave concern over the shutdown of Prime News, Assam and HYTV, Hyderabad by its managements leaving more than 400 employees, including journalists, jobless. The NUJ(I) also extended supports to various protests and demonstrations being organised by the local unions and Journalists Association of Assam against the closure notice of the 24×7 satellite news channels.
According to the information, the ‘Prime News’ was also not available in any Direct To Home (DTH) service too, the news channel was virtually not visible for all these days resulting a very poor TRP reading. Taking advantage of the situation, the proprietor of the channel suddenly decided to close it down, Prasanna Mohanty, Secretary General NUJ(I) said.
“The decision is arbitrary, unrealistic, unjustified and unwarranted. The managements suddenly announced retrenchment of media staff across India claiming that the move will save money during the next financial year. “The management’s argument does not make any sense because the management has set up a huge hierarchy of managers who claim a major share of the salary budget and none of them are being retrenched,” Mohanty added.
The NUJ (I) also condemned the similar incident in HYTV Hyderabad where more than 150 employees are suddenly on the road. The NUJ has already submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh regarding this unpleasant situation. Now-a-day the closure of TV channels and newspapers is a common thing. The managements are sacking the old employee adopting ridiculous tricks and joining hands with new investors.
The NUJ(I) called upon the Union Government and State Governments concerned to intervene in the mater and prevent the media houses taking such ruthless action. “We stand by the Media Staff of Prime Time and HYTV, Hyderabad and ensure them all out support. “We at NUJ(I) demand the TV Channels to desist from such activities immediately and restore the jobs of all those who have been victims of management’s actions against prevailing laws and rules. Otherwise the NUJ(I) will be forced to take other steps to get justice for the consequences of which the managements alone will be responsible,” the statement released by NUJ here today said.
Issued by Office Secretary
