AMWJU, EGM appeal against use of PRESS vests, stickers
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 10 2023:
Expressing concern over the rampant use of PRESS vests and stickers by non-journalists, which has created confusion, All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) and Editors' Guild Manipur (EGM) have jointly appealed to all non-journalists to refrain from using press-specific materials.
In a joint statement, AMWJU and EGM said that journalists in the state have been facing severe challenges in the present conflict in the state.
In the meantime, numerous unregistered media practitioners are coming out, which has not only created confusion among the public but also affects the smooth functioning of registered journalists on the ground.
For instance, numerous YouTubers, bloggers and vloggers are reporting the current crisis in their own way, mostly without upholding journalism ethics.
Though AMWJU and EGM have no right to prevent them from going to the incident site, such people using PRESS Vests and stickers is something the two media bodies cannot accept.
There are also reports of some such people using press stickers on their vehicles thereby causing confusion among the public.
Keeping in view of the volatile situation and challenges faced by the media fraternity, the two bodies appealed to all non-registered media practitioners to refrain from using PRESS vest and stickers.
The statement also appealed to state police and law enforcing agencies to check credentials of people wearing such vests and stickers.