WATSUPPTODAY.COM NEWS DESK | JAMMU

With the print media facing an "unprecedented crisis", the Print and Electronic Media Association, J&K has demanded stimulus package to help the Journalists and photo journalists
The members from media fraternity demand the financial support for Journalists from the J&K government along with Health & Life Insurance cover for their uninterrupted services during the inconvenient times and most uncertain times in 6 months ahead.
Talking about the current situation of the journalists during lockdown , Afzal Shah president of the Print and Electronic Media Association, J&K, said, “ journalists have emerged to be more critical than ever. Amid surge in the coronavirus cases in J&K , they are doing their duties so that the news of the government’s efforts should reach to the door step of the people.
During COVID-19 lockdown all the Accredited journaklists and photo journalist of nthe all the media Houses have worked tirelessly so that the official news of J&K govt must reach to every corner of the J&K besides people coming from neighbouring states, UTs and people of the J&K living abroad.
They also shot off a letter to Information Deptt , Govt of J&K saying the newspaper industry is facing an "unprecedented crisis" with no advertising revenue.
As the coronavirus lockdown was imposed on March 25, they said newspapers have cut down their pages to unprecedented levels with many merging weekend supplements to the main editions. "Despite these measures, newspapers are losing money every single day.
"Many small and medium Newspapers have already suspended publishing and other newspapers are facing serious challenges and if they collapse, it is bound to affect the journalists too. Such a situation will have a ripple effect thus affecting large number of employees, their families as well as printing presses, distribution mechanism, newspaper vendors and delivery boys," he said.
They said the J&K newspaper industry is putting in their best efforts at personal risk in disseminating news to ensure readers get essential information day after day in these challenging times.