Thread by @SCNGguild

We are the journalists of the Southern California News Group. We love what we do, and we are organizing to ensure that we can continue doing it.

Here's why we're doing it:

1/9

Southern California's local newspapers are essential. We document communities large and small, bringing news to millions of readers. In some of those places, we are the only ones left ensuring someone keeps an eye on the institutions & trends that affect people's daily lives. 2/9

As the workers of the Southern California News Group, we represent journalists spread across four counties, covering the news under one unified banner. We love what we do, and we are organizing to ensure that we can continue doing it. 3/9

Through the work we've done in our communities, we believe we have earned a seat at the table. Our owners have repeatedly demonstrated they don’t think our voices matter. 4/9

Media News Group and Alden Global Capital have cut our newsrooms to the bone. Layoffs and turnover have devastated our workforce. We face historic staffing shortages, and the exodus of journalists with decades of experience has hollowed out our newspapers. 5/9

These cuts leave us less able to provide the quality product we owe our readers. We want to stave off further losses while allowing our newspapers to thrive. We want to build newsrooms with diverse voices reflecting the communities we cover. 6/9

Our journalists have labored for years under increasingly difficult conditions. We intend to reverse that trend. We believe that only a union — formed with the @MediaGuildWest, a local of @newsguild, can ensure we get the fair pay and benefits we deserve. 7/9

Many of our fellow journalists working in MNG newsrooms across the country have already organized in this way. We at SCNG want to be recognized along with them. We are asking MNG and Alden to recognize our union and to work with us to protect local journalism. 8/9

We are so excited for this next chapter in our legacy, and we welcome the opportunity to talk about creating a more fair and equitable workplace for all. 9/9

Learn more about our mission at scngguild.org

#SCNGGuild #SaveSoCalNews #JournalismMatters