In an interview, Luís Simões discussed the state of the TiN group, which now employs 80 people compared to the previous 140. He emphasized the importance of preserving these jobs and the collective memory associated with the publications.
Regarding the decision by the Lisbon Oeste district court, Simões noted that “the blame lies not with the judge who ruled the closure, but with the management that led these companies into disarray over the years, resulting in unpaid salaries and deteriorating working conditions.”
He stated, “The basic obligations of an employer were never respected.”
Simões argued against the return of Luís Delgado to management, citing previous instances where Delgado ignored or rejected offers for parts of the company, allegedly due to their financial inadequacy.
Looking ahead, Simões indicated that workers might face a controlled liquidation process, potentially involving the sale of titles if buyers are found.
He expressed concerns about market concentration, suggesting that political intervention might be necessary to safeguard plurality. “Journalists can withstand state interference,” he remarked.
Simões highlighted the crucial role of magazines like Visão in documenting the nation’s memory, describing it as essential for understanding societal evolution.
He concluded, “It’s time to defend Visão, its employees, and our collective memory.”
Reflecting on the current media landscape in Portugal, Simões stated, “The country moves from crisis to crisis,” and emphasized the importance of dialogue between the union and companies to halt the severe degradation of journalists’ working conditions.
“Being a journalist today is very challenging,” said the president of the Journalists’ Union.
