Protect Our Local News

Here's what you need to know this week:

Local journalism has always been one of the most reliable sources of information for working people around the country. Oftentimes, local newspapers are the only institution to keep watch on municipal governments and corruption at the local level. Now, as corporations continue to grow and become more powerful, they are beginning to buy up local news and either disband them entirely or bring them into the larger corporate media network.

The effects of corporate influence over local news go past local autonomy, though. They affect our sisters and brothers. Currently, the NewsGuild - CWA represents workers at various newspapers owned by GateHouse Media, part of the New Media Investment Group. So far, this company has laid off so many workers that local newspapers around the country are finding it difficult to do their jobs.

It's getting worse, too. A proposed merger is in the works between GateHouse and Gannett Corp., another large newspaper chain. If the merger were to succeed, hundreds of millions of dollars would be cut from the new, combined company's operations. Specifically, this would include $115 million to the section entitled "newspaper operations". Additional cuts mean more layoffs, making it harder for our sisters and brothers to do their work.

This is a local issue for us, as well. Last week, members of the NewsGuild at the Sarasota Herald Tribune rallied outside the building to oppose and raise awareness of the proposed merger. The Lakeland Ledger, owned by GateHouse, also employs journalists from the Guild.

To oppose this merger and protect local news, the NewsGuild is asking us for three things:

- Sign the letter to Gatehouse CEO Mike Reed telling him to hold the line on corporate greed and protect local journalism

- Follow the NewsGuild on Facebook and Twitter

- Follow the specific Twitter feed on the GateHouse-Gannett merger

Here's what's coming up:

- On Wednesday (10/23) the FL AFL-CIO will hold their monthly activist call at 6PM. This call serves as an opportunity for labor activists around the state to share news and updates. The dial-in information is as follows:

Number: 877-336-1274
Access Code: 964-7066

Keep in Mind:

Strikes are happening around the country. It looks as though the GM strike may be coming to end as a tentative agreement has been reached between the company and the UAW. However, this agreement is still in the process of being approved. Meanwhile, Chicago teachers went on strike today for smaller class sizes, fair pay and benefits, and fully staffed essential positions. More than 25,000 educators and supporters are picketing today, many of whom have had to take on second jobs to make ends meet. Stay on the lookout for strike updates and any ways you can be of support to our sisters and brothers.

That's all for this week! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updates. If you would like to receive text message alerts from the Florida AFL-CIO (Msg & data rates may apply), text FLUNION to 235246!

In Solidarity,

West Central Florida Labor Council

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