Sightline Media Union

The @NewsGuild union for @defense_news and @militarytimes journalists | Reach us at [email protected]

[Sightline Media Union @SightlineUnion]

Stephen Losey here, president of the Sightline Media Union and air warfare reporter for @defense_news . As of this month, I am also the *last* reporter at Defense News.

Following @JenJudson's departure for Bloomberg, Defense News now has... 🧵 1/x

[Stephen Losey @StephenLosey]

It’s with mixed feelings that I announce I have resigned from @defense_news, as of today.

I have accepted a new position that I’m very excited to say more about soon (and I think many of you will say 'that makes sense' when you hear about it), but that will come later. 🧵 (1/x)

[Sightline Media Union @SightlineUnion]

@SightlineMedia @defense_news @MilitaryTimes This is wholly unacceptable. Our union will continue to fight for a fair contract for these newspapers’ reporters, and to compensate the seven laid off employees for their years of dedicated service.

[Sightline Media Union @SightlineUnion]

We met with @SightlineMedia negotiators yesterday, and are once again gravely disappointed by their obstinance. They continue to take absolutist stances on a contract that would do nothing to improve workplace conditions or @defense_news and @MilitaryTimes journalists' salaries.

[Sightline Media Union @SightlineUnion]

Stephen Losey here, president of the Sightline Media Union and air warfare reporter for @defense_news . As of this month, I am also the *last* reporter at Defense News.

Following @JenJudson's departure for Bloomberg, Defense News now has... 🧵 1/x

[Sightline Media Union @SightlineUnion]

@SightlineMedia @defense_news @MilitaryTimes Millionaire owner Michael Reinstein remains unwilling to budge beyond a 1.5% pay raise for the handful of journalists remaining here. They also refuse to provide much more than a paltry 2 weeks severance for the 7 employees they unjustly laid off to retaliate for our unionizing.

[Andrew deGrandpré @adegrandpre]

Impossible to overstate how the collapse of newsrooms like https://t.co/jEH9EqOFGQ & Military Times disadvantages this community. Absolutely vital there is strong, independent journalism to hold those in power to account, especially now.

Via @liamjscott

https://t.co/rc6Ihla1nk

[Stephen Losey @StephenLosey]

.@StevenBeynon 🤝 Me
Being besieged union presidents named “Steve” who won’t give up the fight

[David Roza @DavidSRoza]

"We built something really special over the years that did a lot of good, and it’s just sad that that’s gone so fast"

Grateful to @CJR for covering this important story 👇

The vanquishing of https://t.co/rT8AFnVcUq. https://t.co/qK24c7mNz5

[Konstantin Toropin @KToropin]

I really appreciate @liamjscott taking the time to cover the downfall of @Militarydotcom at the hands of venture capital.

It was a small but mighty newsroom that did great things for troops but is now, sadly, no more.

I remain proud to have been part of that amazing team.

[Liam Scott @liamjscott]

Former @Militarydotcom staffers say a new owner called Valnet dealt the respected publication a death blow when service members and veterans needed it most.

My latest in @CJR
https://t.co/N3iu9yVxlB

[Sightline Media Union @SightlineUnion]

@CJR @Militarydotcom @defense_news @MilitaryTimes Sightline Media Union stands by our @MilNewsGuild friends and colleagues. These newsrooms are needed now more than ever. We condemn Valnet and Regent's efforts to union bust by replacing experienced reporters with contract freelancers, and call on them to deal fairly with unions.

[Sightline Media Union @SightlineUnion]

NEW FROM @CJR: An in-depth story on the effort by shady corporate interests to dismantle unionized newsrooms (@Militarydotcom, @Defense_News and @MilitaryTimes) that for decades have provided vital independent coverage on the military. https://t.co/oGJanaffTc

[Alex Plitsas 🇺🇸 @alexplitsas]

War raging in Ukraine
Middle East on simmer
Pending conflict in Venezuela

And there are now just 3 full time reporters left between Defense News and Military Times

🧵👇🏼

[Megan Eckstein @maeday22]

When I tell people I think private capital is ruining journalism, this is what I mean. I joined Defense News in May 2021 with a vibrant combined DN/MilTimes staff of about three dozen. They’re now down to three staff reporters. This is bad for journalism and bad for readers.

[John T. Seward @JohnSewardDC]

The not-so-quiet death knells for publications that brought military news to readers as early as 1940.

This is a sad moment for journalism and would be a real loss.

Outlet mismanagement and the over-commodification of reporting is terrible and a massive risk in our industry.

[Gordon Trowbridge @G_Trowbridge]

There are few audiences who need and deserve high-quality, independent journalism more than military members and families. Sad that the owners are not up to meeting that obligation.

[Aaron Mehta @AaronMehta]

"It is a slow-motion murder of 85 years of journalistic excellence."

[Colin Demarest @demarest_colin]

"As of this month, I am also the *last* reporter at Defense News."

[Valerie Insinna @ValerieInsinna]

This pisses me off so much.

One of the best military news/defense trade publications -- at many times during its life, I would wholeheartedly call it the best -- and its owners are killing it out of spite.

[Sightline Media Union @SightlineUnion]

@StevenBeynon @defense_news @JenJudson That's crazy talk, Beynon. Who would do such a thing?

[Sightline Media Union @SightlineUnion]

Stephen Losey here, president of the Sightline Media Union and air warfare reporter for @defense_news . As of this month, I am also the *last* reporter at Defense News.

Following @JenJudson's departure for Bloomberg, Defense News now has... 🧵 1/x

[Sightline Media Union @SightlineUnion]

@defense_news @JenJudson We urge Sightline Media Group and its executives to stop this unnecessary and punitive hiring freeze and come to a fair and reasonable compromise on a union contract with its dedicated employees. 13/13

[Sightline Media Union @SightlineUnion]

@defense_news @JenJudson It is a slow-motion murder of 85 years of journalistic excellence. And this newsroom’s disintegration is not going to stop until Reinstein and his deputies start dealing with us in good faith. 12/x