24 August, 2010The ABC Metalworkers' Union, affiliate to CNM-CUT, launches new workers' TV channel in Brazil under the slogan "a TV que te vê" or "the TV that sees you", creating a new democratic space for public debate on social issues.
BRAZIL: A TV station for and by workers, called TV dos Trabalhadores (TVT - http://www.tvt.org.br/ ), was launched on August 23, 2010 by ABC Metalworkers' Union, affiliate to CNM-CUT, at a special inaugural broadcast from the famous industrial zone São Bernardo do Campo of São Paulo, Brazil.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, speaking at the opening ceremony said, "The creation of TVT is one of the most important and symbolic events in the recent history of our Republic."
Initially TVT will broadcast one hour and half of news programming each day, along with other content, and will be transmitted simultaneously by the Web TV of the ABC Metalworkers' Union (http://www.smabc.org.br). In addition a newspaper of the TV channel and the radio and the website of CUT will help to bring the content on TVT alive and provide a forum for participation, comment and feedback by viewers.
The not-for-profit Fundação Sociedade Comunicação, Cultura e Trabalho (Communications, Culture and Work Social Foundation), which is running the channel, received permission in October 2009 to broadcast into 12 million Brazilian homes 23 years after workers in Brazil first sought permission for access to the airways.
With an initial budget of R$15 million for first the three years, TVT will have various programs, including a TV news programme between 19h and 20h30. TVT is broadcast in São Paulo (UHF 48) and Rio De Janeiro (UHF 26) guaranteeing coverage in the two regions' metropolitan centres.
"We want a communication project that is not simply an alternative, but portrays the reality that is not seen on conventional TV," said Valter Sanches, Director of International Affairs of IMF-affiliated CNM-CUT and president of the Foundation responsible for the project.
In a video message welcoming TVT, IMF General Secretary Jyrki Raina congratulated Brazilian workers on this important initiative that will help to strengthen the metalworkers movement in Brazil.