Rotterdam – More and more media outlets and journalists are considering leaving the city, as they increasingly find themselves up against an army of spokespersons and lawyers representing government bodies, semi‑public institutions and private companies.
Because of this numerical imbalance, independent newsgathering is becoming increasingly difficult. Local and regional media are disappearing, newsrooms are shrinking, and journalists are leaving the profession. This poses a serious risk to democratic oversight of government, institutions, businesses and other powerful organisations — and therefore to democracy itself.
The editorial board of Havennieuws now intends to revive the Rotterdam Press Association (RPV). For many years, the RPV served as a meeting place for journalists, photographers, editors‑in‑chief, correspondents and media producers working in and around the Rotterdam region.
Anyone wishing to become a member of the Rotterdam Press Association can contact the Havennieuws editorial team, or join the Havennieuws social gathering on Thursday 28 May at 20:00 in café ’t Haventje, Prins Hendrikkade 129 in Rotterdam.