New Delhi, Sep 6: A recent report released by the Press Council of India (PCI) has brought to light the disturbing practices employed by media organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in the mass retrenchment of over 2,500 journalists across the country. These job losses were marked by unethical methods, including threats, forced resignations, and terminations without due process, pushing many journalists into financial distress and severe mental health challenges.
The report, titled “Retrenchment of Journalists by Media Groups During the COVID-19 Period,” was prepared by a PCI sub-committee formed in September 2023 to investigate the impact of these layoffs. Based on depositions from 51 journalists across 17 media organizations and 12 journalist unions, the report paints a grim picture of the treatment of journalists during the pandemic.
According to the report, 80% of the journalists who lost their jobs were coerced into resigning or were terminated without prior notice. The testimonies reveal that only 25% of the affected journalists received formal communication from their employers regarding their retrenchment, with the majority being dismissed through oral instructions.
The report also highlighted the emotional toll on these journalists, with 80% of those who deposed before the committee, reporting significant emotional distress. Depression and social withdrawal were common among the affected journalists, particularly among senior members of the profession.
In a particularly tragic account, Sunita Tewari, who was asked to resign from her position at Hindustan Times, testified that a colleague committed suicide after being retrenched. The report also includes the case of Deepak Turbhekar, a photographer who had to sell his wife’s jewelry to support his family after being forced to resign from Mumbai Mirror.
The PCI’s report criticizes media organizations for disregarding government directives that classified journalists as essential workers during the pandemic. The report also noted the government’s failure to enforce its own directive, leaving journalists vulnerable to arbitrary dismissals.
In its recommendations, the PCI urged the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and the Ministry of Law and Justice to develop a model contract for journalists, which would include mandatory clauses for job security, severance pay, and other benefits.
This report serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists during the pandemic and the need for stronger protections for media professionals in times of crisis.
