Set up a comprehensive media commission, demand journalists

Mahabubnagar: Journalists staged a protest at the Gandhi statue here on Friday, observing October 2 as the ‘Day of Demands of Working Journalists’ following a call by the Indian Journalists Union (IJU).

The protesting journalists demanded the establishment of a comprehensive Media Commission in view of the rapid changes in the digital and broadcasting sectors and sought a special Central law to protect press freedom. They also called for restoration of the statutory protections provided under the 1955 and 1958 laws, which they alleged had been affected by the new labour codes. They demanded the immediate constitution of a new Wage Board, pointing out that there had been no wage revision since 2007.

The representatives urged the government to fulfil its election promise and resolve the long-pending issues related to houses and house sites for journalists. They demanded health cards for all journalists on par with government employees and cashless treatment at corporate hospitals. They also called for stringent legislation to prevent attacks on journalists in the state.

IJU National Council member Karnayya, TUWJ/IJU Mahabubnagar district president Katam Nagaraj Goud, general secretary Satish Reddy and treasurer Raghu participated in the programme.