The National Union of Journalists has launched a new specialist section specifically for those working in the new media industry.

The NUJ hopes the move will extend its fight for better pay and conditions to journalists in new media - some of whom don't currently identify the NUJ as the union for them.

The change creates a democratic structure to represent new media members, and mirrors the organisation in other sectors which already cover newspapers and news agencies, public relations, magazines and books, freelances and broadcasting.

The new sector will have its own pot of money and staff resources, and was set up because it was felt that new media workers have distinct issues which were not being dealt with properly by other sectors.

Jenny Lennox, assistant organiser for new media, said: "The aim of the sector is to tackle the issues that effect the working lives of new media journalists.

"Although we have lots of members who work in new media, there are thousands of people out there who are writing for text messaging services, designing websites, and writing and taking photographs for them, who don't identify with the NUJ.

"We hope the new sector will reach out to them and give them the support and advice they need."

The NUJ is looking for new media journalists to stand for election to the national executive council and a New Media Industrial Council.

For further information contact Jenny Lennox at jennyl@nuj.org.uk

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