Photo and video journalists behind a groundbreaking campaign for photographers’ rights have declared their support for a journalist seeking one of the most scrutinised jobs in the British and Irish media.

Richard Simcox is one of eight candidates in an election to find a new editor of the National Union of Journalists’ own magazine, the Journalist. He is currently the Editor of PCS Activate magazine.

Activists Marc Vallée, Jess Hurd, David Hoffman, Guy Smallman, Jonathan Warren, and Jason Parkinson have put their names to his campaign. A full list of supporters is also on Rich’s campaign website.

The six have played leading roles in the I’m a Photographer Not a Terrorist campaign – launched in February with an event outside the Met Police headquarters in London that attracted hundreds of photographers to protest at a law threatening the right to take pictures of police officers.

They were also prominent in the recent campaign to win a separate NUJ branch for photographers in London.

Marc Vallée said: “Photographers are under attack – job losses in local and national media, picture rate cuts and police repression on the streets. Bottom line – our industry and our union are up against it. We need a Journalist that’s got our back. We need a Journalist that is vibrant and challenging – both in print and online. We need an editor who will make the best of the latest technology and social media. That is why I urge all members – but especially photographers – to vote for Richard Simcox.”

Jess Hurd said: “I’m looking for a Journalist that supports the initiatives of the grassroots and builds the campaigning spirit of our union. The economic situation is bleak for many media workers. Our journal needs to reflect
this reality for members up and down the country and help show the way forward. I have worked with Richard for the last few years and know he will be open to ideas for the development of what could be an excellent magazine showcasing the very best of our work and encouraging the unity we desperately need.”

Richard said: “I’m honoured to have such inventive and creative activists on my supporters’ list. The protests by photographers in London have been an inspiration to me and the rest of the union. If I win the election the Journalist will continue to feature photographers’ concerns prominantly and to help organise support for the right to earn your living by taking pictues in public places.”

Veteran Shropshire-based photographer and NUJ activist Stewart Perkins has also pledged his support to Richard’s campaign.

Ballot papers are distributed to NUJ members next Tuesday.

Richard’s campaign website can be found at richsimcox.co.uk or follow richthehack on Twitter.

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