Press Federation 'cannot interfere' in media finances

The Press Federation said Monday it cannot “interfere” in the financial situations of newspapers in Lebanon, since these are considered part of the private sector.

During its monthly meeting, the federation tackled the case of laid-off employees at prominent newspaper An-Nahar, adding that the job cuts were due “to two main reasons.” “The first reason is the lack of advertising due to the global economic crisis. Ad­vertising has been reduced due to the crisis and because of illegal competition,” the federation said. “We ask the Lebanese government to help secure legal financial resources to the press.”

The second reason, according to the press body, was its inability to offer financial support to newspapers because these were considered to be part of the private sector. It added that even though employees were discharged from their positions, labor laws should be respected and the dignity of the employees should be preserved.

An-Nahar had discharged more than 50 employees from their positions about two weeks ago, saying financial difficulties were the cause.

- Daily Star