PRIME SUSPECT SAYS MEDIA UNION

Date: 09 June 2001

The decision by the Prime television network to terminate all news production services in the areas of Newcastle, Wollongong and Canberra, is a further act of corporate disrespect for regional and rural Australia, according to Australia's media union.

The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance is representing the 27 employees made redundant by Prime's decision.

The Alliance says that the communities have had yet another voice silenced, with the three largest cities in Prime's NSW broadcast area losing their news service.

"Owning a television network carries responsibilities, not just the opportunity to make money," says Alliance Acting Federal Secretary Mark Ryan.

"Much of the Australian media has been rightly critical of actions by corporations and government in stripping services from regional centres.

"Yet now we seen a major regional media company hurting regional communities in the same fashion," Ryan says.

The Alliance has called on Prime to immediately cancel their decision and resume their responsibilities to their communities through a genuine local news service.

The Alliance has notified the Industrial Relations Commission of a dispute over Prime's failure to consult with the union before announcing any redundancies.

For further information

Contact:	Jake Peacock
Union:	MEAA
Phone:	02 9333 0999
Fax:	02 9333 0933
Email:	jpeacock@meaa.aust.com
WWW:	http://www.alliance.org.au

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