SSNM rises against the declaration of technological redundancy at TV Telma: editor Bobi Hristov targeted

The Independent Union of Journalists and Media Workers (SSNM) is following with concern the announcements of Telma Television about dismissing journalists and media workers under the pretext of implementing a new systematization and program, as the Fokus portal announced tonight. After full communication in which the union became acquainted with the case and received the guidance of its legal team, SSNM declared that it stands fully behind its member.

According to the notice delivered to the union, TV Telma is starting the process of declaring technological redundancy at the company, together with a new program and a redistribution of job positions. But what is concerning, according to SSNM, is the fact that the reorganization is directed against only one person — the editor and veteran journalist Bobi Hristov, whose position disappears entirely and is declared technological redundancy.

“The concern is not only about workers’ rights, but also about the professional rights and freedom of journalists — even greater when the reorganization and the new program directly strike a veteran and experienced journalist”, the SSNM reaction stresses, published on the union’s official page, where it is added that this is happening at a time when North Macedonia lacks new media staff, especially independent and credible journalists.

SSNM calls on the management of TV Telma to carefully reconsider once again the decision to declare technological redundancy, fully taking into account workers’ rights, since such serious structural changes in media that have the duty to protect the public interest must be made carefully and in accordance with all legal rules.