Urgent Call for Presidential Audience: Journalists' Union Raises Alarm Over Media Crisis in Portugal

Call for Urgency

The Journalists' Union (SJ) has formally requested an urgent meeting with the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, to address the serious crisis facing Trust In News (TiN), the company behind prominent titles such as ‘Visão’, ‘Exame’, and ‘Jornal de Letras’.

The SJ emphasized that as the highest magistrate of the nation, the President, given his strong ties and history in the media, could play a crucial role in finding a resolution for this crisis, which impacts the lives of approximately 150 individuals.

Serious Issues

The union articulated that the problems facing TiN, which is currently in insolvency, with delayed salaries and unpaid dues to freelancers, should not be overlooked. They highlighted that the President’s engagement with journalism issues reflects the profession's importance as a pillar of Democracy. The SJ believes that the 17 titles under TiN contribute significantly to fostering a pluralistic and diverse democracy, making society more just and healthy.

Historical Context

The SJ recalled the President’s previous attention to media financing, referencing a 2019 international conference he hosted in Cascais, organized by the SJ with the Presidency’s sponsorship. They lamented that many proposals from that event have been neglected by political powers over the years, despite some being included in the recently announced Media Action Plan.

Seeking Political Support

Moreover, the SJ has requested an urgent meeting with Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Pedro Duarte, and has alerted all parliamentary groups about an open letter from TiN employees to politicians, aiming to raise awareness about the critical situation affecting many families.

The union stated its willingness to assist workers in any way possible and believes that this moment demands solidarity from all citizens towards those employed in the group.

Upcoming Protests

In a show of unity, TiN employees plan to gather next Wednesday in Lisbon to protest against the group's situation. TiN, which owns 16 titles including Visão, Exame, Exame Informática, Jornal de Letras, among others, faced a rejection of its Special Revitalization Process (PER) on November 5, and has announced its intention to file for insolvency, seeking to convene a creditors' assembly to present a recovery plan.