The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) is further voicing concerns and upping pressure on Nine regarding its plans to sell its regional newspaper titles.
News of the sale of The Australian Community Media (ACM) mastheads, including more than 160 regional publications such as The Canberra Times, Newcastle Herald and The Examiner, follows Nine's takeover of Fairfax Media last year.
While it’s not clear who the interested parties are, former Domain boss Antony Catalano is reportedly eyeing the assets. Catalano also carried out a failed bid to block the Nine and Fairfax deal from going ahead last November.
As Nine looks for potential buyers, a union delegation from regional ACM mastheads is convening to demand job security, editorial independence and an honouring of the current Fairfax enterprise agreements.
“It is vital at this time that union members have a strong, cohesive voice that represents the views of all mastheads,” MEAA media director Katelin McInerney said in a note to members today.
“Journalists are stronger together. We are united in the fight to protect newsrooms, the number of journalists on the ground and decent working conditions.
“Journalists at these publications want to continue doing the job their communities expect, which is to inform the community and tell their stories, be a voice for readers, hold power to account, have the time and editorial commitment to report without fear or favour.”
While journalists have been raising concerns over jobs since the takeover was announced, recent job cuts across the industry have heightened concerns.
Soon after the Nine/Fairfax deal was complete, close to 100 employees lost their jobs in the business.
The MEAA asked any potential new owners to invest in reporting and newsrooms to protect journalism.
“Maintaining already reduced journalist numbers on the ground is pivotal to maintaining scrutiny of local authorities and business interests in an election year,” the MEAA said.
Nine declined to comment when approached by AdNews.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.