Did NAACP infringe on the Freedom of the Press?
International Media mutiny on the horizon behind-the-scenes of NAACP Convention

(BlackPress.org) - International journalists from around the world have convened in New York City for the NAACP's 100th Anniversary, but a different story is brewing behind-the-scenes. Journalists from France, Africa, and other countries are feeling "squeezed out" by the NAACP who are refusing the media's access to major events and workshops.

Journalists are forced to leave the hotel to obtain water and food, missing key events. Four out of five of the computers made available in the Working Press room do not have a working Internet connection. Ironically, points out Abbey Muneer, a reporter for Liberty News, the staff computers work and have active Internet connection.

Food is available in the room but a sign posted reading "Staff only" sets the tone for the environment in the media room. By Thursday, when President Barack Obama speaks at the NAACP there could be a media mutiny, if things are not improved.

What's odd is that Benjamin Jealous was once a journalist, sort of, so he should have a clear understanding of the needs of the working press. Jealous used to head up NNPA's news service.

Reporters from CBS, Washington Post, BBC, Orbite Television, a Black-focused news outlet from Paris, France and other media outlets as far away as Japan and The Netherlands are on hand for the event, but few are finding the effort worth their time.

"We're not coming back tomorrow or Thursday," Muneer said.

"[The Media representatives] who are charged with handling the media room are walking around the media room without shoes, they ran out of press badges and the staff seems more interested in the after parties than helping the press get their stories," Muneer said. "It's very upseting."

SAVE the DATE: Sept. 17-19, 2009
5th Annual Black Press All Star Awards in Harlem, New York

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