Statement from the Progressive Journalists Association on journalist protest: 'We stand with our colleagues'

In Zonguldak, journalists have decided to take action due to poor working conditions, the failure to receive the wages they are entitled to, and the increasing degradation of journalistic principles.

'THOUSANDS OF OUR COLLEAGUES ARE UNEMPLOYED'

The statement, signed by Ali Ayaroğlu, President of the Zonguldak Branch of the Progressive Journalists Association, included the following remarks:

"We wholeheartedly support the protest that our colleagues in Zonguldak will stage against the increasing degradation and discrediting of journalistic professional principles, the worsening of working conditions, and the failure to receive the wages they are entitled to.

We stand with our friends in these legitimate protests, where they will voice the working conditions and rightful demands of journalists.

When we look at the essence of the matter today, the economic and social rights of those working in this sector are unusable. The state of the Anatolian press, in particular, is in a pitiful condition.

The vast majority of the local press, which is the lifeblood of Anatolia, has closed down. Thousands of our colleagues are unemployed today.

CALL FOR SUPPORT TO THE PRESS ADVERTISING AGENCY (BİK)

The censorship, pressure, and practices aimed at intimidating journalists that began with the September 12 order have rendered the relevant law unusable, and trade union rights have been rendered dysfunctional. Job security has been left to the mercy of media monopolies. As a result of monopolization, unemployment and low-wage work in the press are at record levels.

Our friends working in the local press have no social security. The Anatolian press is struggling for survival under economic conditions.

When we look at Zonguldak specifically, there is great despair regarding the future of the local press.

The Press Advertising Agency must provide the necessary support to the Anatolian press without discrimination and without delay."

News Source: 12punto