[Greens-Media] Greens outraged by Fairfax management attack on quality print journalism

[John Kaye]

Greens outraged by Fairfax management attack on quality print journalism

Media statement: 7 May 2014

The Greens NSW today expressed their support for Fairfax staff whose position has been made untenable by management's decision to cut 60 positions.

Greens NSW MP and Democracy spokesperson John Kaye said: "Having two state-wide daily newspapers is not a luxury.

"Print news diversity is an essential ingredient of a healthy democracy. This is now at risk.

"Fairfax management is sacrificing quality to boost profits.

"The company's in-house photographers are some of the best in the world and play a significant role in the ability of the papers to communicate important messages.

"Wire photos from Getty Images will never match the quality, immediacy or relevance of Fairfax's own product.

"Further outsourcing of copy-editing and page layout work will inevitably result in decreasing relevance and professionalism.

"These redundancies will erode the reputation that the Sydney Morning Herald and other Fairfax papers have built up over more than a century.

"They will place an unacceptable burden of work on remaining staff.

"Fairfax management has failed to fulfil its duty to its readers who have stuck loyally to it despite the move to so-called 'compact' format and the reduction in news coverage.

"The latest move risks pushing the company's papers closer to the edge of viability.

"Fairfax is much more than a profit-oriented company.

"It is an important democratic institution whose role in holding politicians to account is critical.

"Its management has a responsibility to secure the future of its papers without compromising quality," Dr Kaye said.

For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455


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John Kaye
Greens NSW MP

P: (02) 9230 2668 | F: facebook.com/john.kaye.mlc<http://www.facebook.com/john.kaye.mlc> | T: @johnkgreens<twitter.com/johnkgreens> | W: www.johnkaye.org.au<http://www.johnkaye.org.au>
Mail: Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW 2000

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