CWU breaks new ground by launching its own TV channel (UK)
The CWU (Communication Workers Union) sets a precedent in trade union communications on Sunday 31st August, with the broadcast of its own channel entitled CWU TV on Sky Digital channel 167 and Freesat channel 406.
The 30 minute programmes, presented by Emma Howard, ex-BBC news
presenter, cover a range of news, features and opinion in fresh and
fast magazine style. The first programme focuses on pensions, the
liberalisation of the postal service and the union’s youth movement.
Billy Hayes, general secretary, is also interviewed in-depth and offers
the CWU’s perspectives on the importance of trade unionism in a
changing world and less certain economic climate.
With CWU TV the union is putting TV at the heart of an integrated
communications strategy that informs and engages the membership and
encourages them to give their feedback and get involved. Information TV
allows the CWU to broadcast unmediated public service content on the
trusted, regulated medium of television.
The CWU sets a precedent in trade union communications on Sunday
31st August, with the broadcast of its own channel entitled CWU TV on
Sky Digital channel 167 and Freesat channel 406.
The 30 minute programmes, presented by Emma Howard, ex-BBC news
presenter, cover a range of news, features and opinion in fresh and
fast magazine style. The first programme focuses on pensions, the
liberalisation of the postal service and the union’s youth movement.
Billy Hayes, general secretary, is also interviewed in-depth and offers
the CWU’s perspectives on the importance of trade unionism in a
changing world and less certain economic climate.
With CWU TV the union is putting TV at the heart of an integrated
communications strategy that informs and engages the membership and
encourages them to give their feedback and get involved. Information TV
allows the CWU to broadcast unmediated public service content on the
trusted, regulated medium of television.
CWU TV will be broadcast at different times each week, so shift-workers
have the opportunity to catch the programme, Sundays at 6pm, Tuesdays
at 10am and Thursdays at 4pm. The pilot phase of the channel launch
will see a new programme broadcast each month, with shorter clips
available online too. For those without access to Sky or FreeSat, the
full programme can be watched live at these times at www.information.tv.
Kevin Slocombe, CWU Head of Communications, said: “CWU TV is the first
made-for television venture by any UK trade union. This raises the game
for trade union communications and puts the CWU in the forefront of
modern trade union communications.”
TV is the most important medium of today and will demonstrate that
unions have an important role to play in the 21st century workplace,
growing their influence amongst young workers in particular. CWU TV is
an exciting and innovative project that will put trade union issues
from the communications sector in easy reach of anyone who is
interested in real life issues. Communication Workers Union is the largest trade union in the
communications sector, representing 250,000 members. CWU members work
in Royal Mail Group, BT, Alliance & Leicester and other
telecommunications and financial services companies. Our members’
expertise includes engineering, computing, clerical, mechanical,
logistics, retail, financial and manual skills. The CWU’s main
responsibility is to protect and promote the interests of its members
in the workplace.
