Representatives of the News Media Guild have reportedly called for a ban on tweeting by Associated Press reporters in a move that starkly illustrates just how far reaching recent advancements in social media really are.
An excerpt from the News Media Guild reads: “Don’t post Tweets or Facebook any links to any AP stories. This is only for those NOT required to tweet as part of their job,” "We're trying to basically communicate through social media the unity of our group in trying to negotiate a fair contract with AP," said Winton, an AP reporter. AP reporters are usually under no obligation to post their news stories via social media at all; it is not a part of their job description. The extra work is done as a means of drumming up readership and as a general sign of goodwill on the part of reporters. Because participation in social media isn't typically outlined in the contract of a reporter the AP is using it as a type of bargaining chip in negotiations. A blackout on tweeting by will likely not result in lowered readership, it's more of a publicity stunt than anything else. AP news is tweeted by many different sources in addition to the reporters themselves.
The AP has been in negotiations since January and in a memo stated: “Since January, we have said at the negotiating table and in our notes to the field that this change must be enacted soon if we are to fund the projects AP needs to maintain our market position and to prevent further erosion of our revenue. External competition to our news business remains fierce, and we must have the cash to be able to maintain our competitive advantage.”
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