Editor’s Note: New York City journalists boldly take a stand and keep their seats

Starting out in journalism, I was inspired when Daily News reporters went on strike in 1990. I was hunting for my first job and turned down an offer to cross the picket line to work for the paper. That would have disrespected those who would go on to become my future colleagues in this industry.

On Jan. 25, reporters at the Daily News staged their first strike since that walkout 34 years ago. The one-day demonstration was over cost-cutting moves imposed by the paper’s current owner, Alden Global Capital. The bold move caught the attention of New Yorkers, including City Comptroller Brad Lander. It also came two days after “Chair-gate,” a petty incident at City Hall where the mayor’s deputy chief of staff, Menashe Shapiro, demanded City & State and other news outlets give up their seats at a City Council rally in support of the How Many Stops Act. Mayor Eric Adams, who vetoed the legislation that would increase police reporting of civilian stops, was holding his weekly off-topic press conference at the same time and wanted the chairs back. He claimed they had not been officially requested, though the City Council explained that the request for seating was made after the rally was moved inside City Hall due to the weather. The reporters ultimately ignored Shapiro and stayed in their seats. It was another bold move by journalists committed to doing their jobs.

Journalists must stand up for themselves and the vocation to ensure democracy is protected. That means demanding respect – both from their employers and the governments they cover. It’s an attitude that keeps inspiring me and will hopefully do the same for generations of journalists to come.