Issue:
July 2024
Letter to the editor
I read with great interest, but also with concern, David McNeill’s article Pulling the plug in the June issue of the Number 1 Shimbun.
The situation of the media in the world is worrying in many financial, editorial aspects, not to mention freedom of the press. And the situation in Tokyo that he describes regarding the international media illustrates this concern.
I would simply like to clarify the situation of Agence France-Presse. The article refers to the “big agencies” but does not mention AFP. I believe it is fair to consider AFP as one of the big agencies along with Associated Press, Reuters and Bloomberg. We work in six languages and are present in more than 150 countries to provide news to media organizations, companies, and institutions all over the world.
AFP Tokyo today employs 18 staff members, including 10 text reporters, four photographers and two video journalists, as well as freelancers. We are also going to create an Economy Coordinator position in Tokyo in October in charge of the Asia-Pacific region.
I believe AFP is a good example of a media that insists on keeping what makes our profession strong – the network. It is essential for the AFP to be on the ground. And keeping a solid network is the key.
This letter has no other objective than to inform you of AFP situation and our pride in informing the world about current events in Japan.
Thanks again for pointing out the difficult situation facing the press.
Emmanuel Pionnier
AFP Tokyo Director and FCCJ member
