APJU seeks PM, Sonia's intervention in 'UNI sale'

Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh), Sep 17: The Andhra Pradesh Journalists Union (APJU) today sought the intervention of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi in the issue concerning the reported transfer of majority stake in the United News of India (UNI) to a private media group.

In a press release here, APJU President P R Ramamoothy and General Secretary Ch Poornachandra Rao contended the takeover of the national news agency by media tycoon Subhash Chandra would lead to largescale retrenchment of employees.

A multilingual news agency, the UNI had been maintaining a neutral character in dissemination of news and grown into a national organisation over the years since its inauguration in March 1961.

The UPA Government's urgent intervention is solicited to save the UNI for ensuring free and fair flow of the information and dissemination of news and to protect the interests of its employees.

The APJU also urged the brethern unions to come forward to oppose the proposed sale of UNI to the Zee TV Group and support the employees.

It also urged the UPA's allies and Opposition parties to raise their voice in seeking the union government's immediate intervention in the issue for protecting the interests of the organisation and the welfare of its staff.

UNI