Six journalists went on a hunger strike to protest against the National Board of the Mongolian National Public Radio and TV (MNPRTV). This was their means of calling for media independence and promotion of public service broadcasting in Mongolia.

Six journalists from the Mongolian National Public Radio and TV (MNPRTV) have embarked on a hunger strike, beginning July 6. This was their way of calling for the dismissal of MNPRTV's National Board that allegedly have repeatedly violated the law on public service broadcasting, undermined the independence of the MNPRTV editor’s office, and violated journalists’ professional rights.

The six journalists who went on hunger strike are members of the MNPRTV's Collective Board, an organisation of MNPRTV journalists who are protesting against the MNPRTV's National Board.

Since 2006, MNPRTV's National Board and Collective Board have been in dispute. According to the Collective Board, the designation of six MNPRTV's National Board members without prior nomination from the NGO United Forum has led to this crisis since this was contrary to the law which states that all 15 members of MNPRTV's National Board should be representatives from civil society organisations. MNPRTV's present management has also been allegedly appointed by some of the National Board’s members based on political considerations. The dispute was further aggravated when the professional skills test conducted among MNPRTV personnel led to the firing of over 40 people because of poor test results.

The six journalist ceased their hunger strike on July 8, 2007 after  MNPRTV's National Board agreed to revoke the MNPRTV General Director’s decision to fire a large number of journalists as well as to promote the participation of the journalists in the decision making process.

Sources:
“Hunger strike called off after deal reached in conflict over management of public broadcaster” from IFEX, posted on July 6, 2007, <http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/84749>.
“Mongolia: Protect Media Independence and Journalists’ Rights” from FORUM-ASIA, posted on July 10, 2007, <http://www.forum-asia.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=642&Itemid=121>.