British Reporters Refuse to Replace Photographers

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the UK stated, that its chapter of Stourbridge Newsquest (one of the biggest regional publishing houses in the country) passed a motion opposing compulsory redundancies of photographers. “Should the company make compulsory redundancies the chapel has resolved to meet and consider the possibility of industrial action. We also wish to make it clear that, as reporters, we are opposed to the replacement of professional photographers by other staff. Therefore, NUJ members have resolved not to accept assignments which would normally be given to professional photographers.”

The action was caused by cuts of the number of staff photographers by big British publishers and news agencies and replacing professionals with trainee reporters, amateurs and Instagram users “without providing them with technical or health and safety training.”

“The all-out assault by newspaper companies against their staff photographers is in danger of wiping out a whole critical and valuable skill set from the newsroom as we know it,” warns Chris Morley, NUJ Northern and Midlands organizer.

The Union calls other reporters to follow the example of Stourbridge Newsquest chapel and save British and world photojournalism.