In an open letter, seventy journalists from the media outlets Libertatea and Gazeta Sporturilor have accused Ringier Media Group of editorial interference that led to the dismissal of Editor-in-Chief, Cătălin Țepelin. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate, the Romanian Trade Union of Journalists MediaSind condemning Țepelin’s layoff and management pressure applied to journalists.
Credit: Libertatea
On 2 October, the Zurich-based Ringer Media Group demanded the resignation of Țepelin, a move opposed by the seventy journalists in an open letter.
According to the statement, on 31 July and 8 August, two executives of the media company asked the Editor-in-Chief to provide advance copies of articles related to advertising clients from the gambling industry. Țepelin refused, reminding them of the public’s right to information that is free from economic and political pressure.
On 28 August, journalists from Libertatea and Gazeta Sporturilor, belonging to the Swiss media company, sent an official communication to Ringer’s Group, demanding an end to any commercial interference in editorial matters, in violation of the Journalist’s Code of Ethics and professional journalism ethics.
The Company’s response, 2 October, requested Țepelin’s resignationShe had been among the signatories of the editorial independence appeal..
In a statement issued by MediaSind, the union complained that it is not the first time that the Swiss group has violated national and European legislation. “Cases of interference in editorial policy have multiplied, highlighting Ringer management’s disregard for freedom of expression and the trust of employees at Romanian publications.”
The IFJ joined MediaSind calling on the Ringer’s Group and all media companies to respect European laws regarding freedom of expression.
Read the statement by MediaSind for more information about the case.
For more information, please contact IFJ on +32 2 235 22 16
The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 146 countries
