Introduction

Monday November 5 is Stand Up for Journalism day, the NUJ day of action across the UK and Ireland.

Journalists from all sectors of the media – broadcasting, newspapers, magazines, PR, and online – will be protesting against savage cuts which are hampering their ability to keep the public informed.

Most media companies make big money – but they engage in round after round of cuts to increase their profit margins.

Journalists are reduced to a cross between call-centre workers and data processors. Stuck at their desks re-jigging press releases. Who knows what corruption, lies, and law-breaking is going on in the corridors of power – no-one has the time to look.
Photographers, reporters, sub-editors, producers, and news readers are saying enough is enough.

Please support the National Union of Journalists’ campaign by organising an event in your workplace or town.

The easiest things to organise are mass Stand Ups or leafleting. The NUJ has produced leaflets for you to distribute. There are also badges, t-shirts and pens for you to use to show your support for the campaign. Email campaigns@nuj.org.uk for supplies.

Your Workplace has some ideas on what you can do to make your campaign effective locally. You do not need to restrict yourself to these – the sky’s the limit!

You can Get Active in the campaign right now! Complete a survey about the state of your work pension; sign the union petition and talk about your ideas for the day on the discussion board.

The Your Plans For The Day section features activities planned by NUJ branches and chapels. This will enable us to share ideas. Let us know what you are planning by using the pro forma and we will include it on the website. You can also email campaigns@nuj.org.uk to update us or request help.

We are asking NUJ chapels and branches - and supporters - to send people to a November 5 a lobby of the Society of Editors' Conference in Manchester to represent the wide-spread support for the campaign.

Editors, media owners, and commentators will be in the city to discuss the future of the industry.
The NUJ believes that whilst media technology and the industry inevitably change, quality content remains central to commercial success and our role in the democratic process. As more and more companies cut staff, hold down pay, increase workloads, reduce budgets, axe pensions or compromise quality, journalists and editors should be united in campaigning for more resources.
That's why we're lobbying the Society of Editors Conference - to urge them to join with us in standing up for quality media and standing up for journalism. It is in all our interests to persuade our owners to stop cutting and start investing in quality media.

Members will assemble outside the Manchester Evening News building in central Manchester, then proceed to a lobby at 1pm outside the Radisson Edwardian Hotel where the conference is taking place. This will be followed by a fringe meeting at the Friends Meeting House across the road. Transport will be provided from London and some other centres. Where NUJ chapels cannot afford to send someone the union will help out. For more information or to book a place contact campaigns@nuj.org.uk.