Presented by George Scott
Recent closed-shop legislation raised fears for the freedom of the Press. It also sharpened the long-standing and sometimes bitter rivalry between the two unions that represent British journalists. The NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS, with 29,500 members, is the dominant union, determined to increase its strength through the closed shop. But critics fear the monopoly power of a single union, which they claim is unduly influenced by its left wing.
The INSTITUTE OF JOURNALISTS, with only 2,500 members, among them recent defectors from the NUJ, is described by its critics as a ' bosses' undon' of strike breakers and blacklegs which constantly undermines the effectiveness of its rival.
John Clare reports on film from the NUJ's annual conference and from the offices of The Barnsley Chronicle and The Daily Telegraph, scenes of recent inter-union conflict.
Film cameraman CHARLES STEWART Production assistant ALAN PATIENT Producer ELWYN PARRY-JONES