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Created on:26 August, 2003 - 09:43 Last modified:25 September, 2003 - 06:41 |
Media Workers Against War is run by a small number of volunteers working in all types of media. Although volunteers at MWAW have different political ideologies we are an independent organisation that is not linked to any political institution.
Media Workers Against War are opposed to the so called ‘war on terrorism’ and the mainstream media’s support for aggressive action against innocent civilians under the pretence of ‘anti-terrorism’.
MWAW was orginally formed at the time of the Gulf War, but reformed in September 2001. At a packed meeting in central London, more than 70 workers in the media adopted the following statement on the current global situation and their responsibilities in it:
"We are workers in the media opposed to the current war drive and the plans for a US-led military assault on Afghanistan and possibly other countries.
"We are utterly opposed to all acts of terror against civilian populations, whether committed by governments or groups of individuals.
"We believe that in the current crisis it is more important than ever to protect and promote pluralism in debate, the free flow of information, and the public scrutiny of official pronouncements.
"We therefore resolve to join together as Media Workers Against the War in order to:
1. Participate in the broad movement now rapidly emerging against the war
2. Collate and disseminate facts and arguments pertinent to the war, not only from Britain but from around the world
3. Promote anti-war viewpoints through the media and expose and resist attempts at censorship and disinformation
4. Oppose media coverage that in any way licenses or gives succour to racism or attacks on asylum seekers."
At the meeting, plans were made to set up a Media Workers Against the War website, publish a bulletin, make and distribute anti-war videos, and organise workplace meetings at major media outlets. We will also be holding a major public rally in central London in the coming weeks.
Media Workers Against the War will seek support from media trade union branches and individuals working in the media. Workers at the BBC, ITN and various national newspapers attended.