Guwahati: A group of journalists who have been involved in the unauthorised and unlawful collecting of money from press conference and event organisers have received a severe warning from the Guwahati Press Club (GPC).
A joint statement by GPC President Manoj Kumar Nath and General Secretary Sanjoy Ray read, “It has been brought to our notice that a section of journalists attending press conferences/book releases/events at Gauhati Press Club has been demanding money from the organisers against coverage of the event.”
The GPC reaffirmed that it “would not allow any such immoral conduct on the part of any journalist” and strongly denounced such disgusting acts.
“We hereby issue a stern warning to all concerned that strict action would be taken against such malpractices. Such erring journalists would not only be stripped of membership, they might even be barred from entering the GPC premises”, the statement read.
Four phone numbers (8011745999, 7002555736, 8749870769, and 8486740848) were provided by the GPC authorities for use by organisers who encounter such unauthorised demands.
“The organisers too have been asked not to entertain such demands and report the matter directly to the GPC authority (8011745999, 7002555736, 8749870769, 8486740848) as and when anyone demands money or any undue favour against the publication of news”, the statement added.
The statement also added, “Based on some complaints received, we have identified a few such individuals and action would be initiated against them.”