Writers Union Props Libel Insurance Plan

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Dotinga (rdotinga@aol.com) is an education reporter with the North County Times, Escondido, Calif.

Union says publishers forced the move by pressing freelancers to sign indemnity clauses

As newspapers and magazines increasingly force freelance journalists to assume legal liability for their work, a union of freelance writers is planning to offer group libel insurance.

The National Writers Union - in what appears to be a first - is preparing a libel insurance plan for its 5,000 members. The union plans to send out enrollment packages later this month and to make coverage effective Jan. 1.

The move is in response to growing numbers of publications …