About DJ
Founded in 1961, the Danish Union of Journalists – Media & Communications (DJ) is the trade union for professionals in journalism, media, and communication.
We represent more than 18,000 members, including journalists, photographers, cartoonists, TV producers, documentary directors, and communicators—both freelancers and permanent employees.
Contact information:
Danish Union of Journalists - Media & Communications
Gammel Strand 46
DK-1202 Copenhagen K
Phone: +45 3342 8000
Email: dj@journalistforbundet.dk
Mission and Values
DJ works to:
- Safeguard press freedom
- Ensure fair working conditions
- Protect members’ rights as authors
- Support skills development and professional growth
We encourage openness and dialogue in society by improving job quality within media and communication and by engaging in debates on press freedom—both nationally and internationally.
DJ is independent of political parties and financed by membership fees.
International Work and Safety
Although Denmark is a small country, DJ plays a major role in international efforts to improve journalist safety.
- Each year, our groups, associations, and districts donate €60–70,000 to the DJ Safety Fund, administered by International Media Support.
- DJ is an active member of the Nordic Federation of Journalists, a hub for knowledge exchange and cooperation among Nordic journalist unions.
Freedom of the Press
DJ’s vision is to actively promote freedom of expression.
- We engage in public debate and communicate directly with authorities to defend press freedom.
- When journalists or media outlets face legal accusations, DJ plays an active role, emphasizing public interest and freedom of expression.
- Internationally, we participate in initiatives to support free press conditions in countries where journalists face greater challenges.
Leadership
President: Allan Boye Thulstrup
Phone +45 3342 8000
Vice President: Lise Møller Schilder
Phone +45 3342 8000
Press Contact: Head of Communication & Press, Bo Therkildsen
Organization and Structure
DJ is built on strong membership democracy.
- The central board has 15 members elected every two years at the delegates’ meeting, attended by several hundred members.
- The president and vice president work full-time, managing daily operations with the director.
- Policy committees (two-year terms) prepare decisions in areas such as media, education, employment, equality, and union matters.
- Specialized groups bring together members with common professional interests.
DJ has eight districts across Denmark and Greenland, focusing on local working conditions.
The DJ secretariat includes administrative staff and consultants specializing in law, work environment, career guidance, and communication.
DJ also works closely with the Unemployment Fund for Journalism, Communication and Language (AJKS), which provides financial security for members who lose their jobs.
Press Card
All DJ members are entitled to the official Danish press card, which is:
- Recognized by authorities and organizations in Denmark
- Accepted by the police, allowing press access beyond cordons
- Internationally valid since 2010, carrying the logo of the International Federation of Journalists
Press Rules and Ethics
Self-regulation and ethics are central to Danish journalism.
- The Advisory Rules for Sound Press Ethics guide professional conduct.
- Key clauses:
- Journalists may refuse assignments that conflict with personal conscience.
- It is unethical to block justified publication of information important to the public.
- Media must not allow third parties to influence content in ways that compromise independence.
If rules are breached, cases are handled by the Danish Press Council—an independent body with representatives from the media, courts, and the public. Media companies criticized by the Council must publish its rulings. DJ nominates representatives to the Council.
Membership
Eligibility:
Anyone working in journalism, media, or communication—whether as a freelancer or permanent employee—can join.
Membership fees:
- Union membership: DKK 420/month
- Safety Fund: DKK 50/month
- District membership: DKK 20–60/month
- Specialized group/association: DKK 20–100/month
- Unemployment Fund (AJKS): DKK 496/month
Reduced fees:
Unemployed members, students, retirees, senior citizens, and those on sickness benefits pay DKK 78/month.