The National Union of Journalists' Journalism Matters campaign has been given the full backing of the TUC.

Congress unanimously agreed to give its support to a motion to highlight the crucial role of the media in defending democracy and the dangers to the profession.

Motion 52 told delegates across the trade union movement about the crisis the union says is facing the industry from "savage cuts in jobs and budgets", and asked for their support.

And in a speech, NUJ president Chris Morley said: "Most of the owners in the regional press are setting upon their titles like vampires at a blood bank.

"Newsrooms up and down the country have been looted of resources. There seems to be no limit to not only thinking the unthinkable, but doing it too - just to shave the profit margins up a little higher."

At the Congress NUJ members also gave out postcards with a picture of a tombstone and the words 'RIP Quality Journalism - who will ask the questions when we're gone?'

Delegates were asked to send the cards to their MPs and get the MPs to ask the Parliament Select Committee to launch an investigation into monopoly control and profiteering.

Chris told HoldtheFrontPage: "It was really successful and we know that they created quite a stir."

He added: "We now want the TUC to get the Government to investigate monopoly ownership in the media, and particularly the regional press.

"One thing that we are very anxious to stress is that journalism matters not just to journalists but to everyone.

"The TUC has a good deal of influence and clout with ministers. We believe in acting collectively and the TUC acting on our behalf is a form of collective action."