TUC Cymru Congress calls for greater public interest journalism to counter far right misinformation.

TUC Cymru Congress delegates today (20th May) supported a motion from the NUJ on the Far Right and Misinformation. The motion noted that the continued weakness of the media sector in Wales means that the information that people receive is not reflective of life in Welsh communities, or the devolution settlement. 

The NUJ’s motion highlighted that a stronger media in Wales would help counter misinformation and debunk false stories and called on the Welsh Government to enact the recommendations in full of the “Of and For Wales” report. 
This builds on the work of the United Cymru campaign which was launched ahead of the Senedd elections aimed at everyone who believes that Wales is stronger when it is united. The union body says it is concerned by increased reports of division in Welsh workplaces and communities, as well as an increase of misinformation in online spaces.  

Ffion Dean, United Cymru Campaign Lead said:
“TUC Cymru believes that Wales is at its best when we’re united. Our history shows us what we can achieve when we put our differences aside and work together towards a common goal – paid holidays, safer workplaces, government-funded school meals and keeping care homes open. 
“None of this was handed down from above. Everything we have gained we have won by setting aside our differences and working together. Unity doesn’t mean we all think the same. It means respecting our differences, valuing our diversity, and connecting on our common needs.”

NUJ Welsh Executive Council Co-chair David Nicholson said: 
"The longstanding crisis in the Welsh media has not gone away. There are continued redundancies across the media in Wales, with a further 10-15 per cent cuts in journalism proposed by the BBC.
"There are many small ways in which the fragile flower of public interest journalism can be nurtured in Wales.
"The National Union of Journalists has called for an early meeting with Culture and Media Minister Heledd Fychan to put manifesto pledges into action and provide public money to support the sector.