‘Find alternatives to mass layoffs’

Teachers of different universities and well-known journalists have urged the owners and editors of media houses to not let go of journalists and employees, and find out alternative ways to overcome the financial crises created due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In their statement, 60 teachers and 16 journalists asked both public and private organisations not to stop advertising, which is a good source of revenue for the media.

"We all know that the novel coronavirus has created a dangerous situation and the future holds more uncertainty. It is expected that during this grave crisis, people will come together to help one another," reads the statement.

"Owners of many television channels and newspapers decided not to give bonus to journalists and staff members within a month of declaration of closure by the government. Some well-established and profitable organisations awarded 25 percent of bonus. Some media outlets are planning to dismiss and send journalists on forced leave without salary... news like these are alarming," the statement also added.

"We're well aware that economic activities are undergoing a setback due to the coronavirus and media is being adversely affected... Media [outlets] could not collect arrears of advertisement from public and private organisations. On the other hand, sale of newspapers has also dropped. Overall, the situation has become tougher for mass media," it said.

The statement said, "Considering all adversities, it is our earnest request to the owners and editors to not shut down their organisations, discharge journalists or reduce salary and allowance, rather work together to find a way out of this crisis."

Media owners will be able to overcome the situation without dismissing anyone if they work together and come up with a creative solution, it added.

Among others, Prof Dr Shakhawat Ali Khan, Prof Dr Golam Rahman, Prof Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique, Prof Dr Sheikh Abdus Salam, Prof Dr Mofizur Rahman of Dhaka University, Prof Dr Dulal Chandra Biswas of Rajshahi University, Ali Asgar Chowhdury of Chittagong University, journalists Zulfikar Ali Manik, Munni Saha, and ZI Mamun signed the statement, among others.