Communication With Internal and External Audiences

WHAT

TVA maintains open, two-way communication with employees to inform them about decisions, events, plans and strategies that affect them or that their efforts will support.

TVA is committed to communicating openly with the employees, news media, customers, stakeholders, host communities and the general public about TVA's operations, activities and plans.

WHO

All employees
External audiences, including the news media, customers, stakeholders, host communities and the general public
Retirees

WHY

Two-way communication is vital in establishing a clear mission and purpose among employees and in securing the understanding and support the agency needs from others to achieve its business objectives.

It is imperative that the agency speak with one voice and provide clear and consistent messages to its various publics through its relationships with the employees, news media, and stakeholders.

HOW

INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS

TVA's comprehensive internal communications program is aimed at reaching all employees with news of TVA's activities, plans, business objectives and strategies through a biweekly newspaper, Inside TVA, and a daily electronic newsletter, TVA Today. Employees are strongly encouraged to participate by:

Submitting story ideas and news items to the Editor, Inside TVA (Knoxville) - 865/632-8004, or the Editor, TVA Today, 865/632-8054. Fax is 865/632-7902.
Submitting letters expressing opinions or posing questions about TVA practices or actions to: Inside TVA, Letters to the Editor, ET 6E-K, 400 West Summit Hill Drive, Knoxville, TN 37902.

STAFF MEETINGS

Because employees have expressed a preference for receiving important information from their supervisors, supervisors are responsible for holding staff meetings to communicate important information as required. Employees are encouraged to ask any questions they may have during these meetings, and supervisors are responsible for assuring that employees receive answers to any questions.

RESPONSE TO MEDIA CALLS

Employees at all locations should immediately refer any calls from the news media to the Media Relations 24-hour line - 865/632-6000. This number provides 24-hour access to a Media Relations staff member who can determine the appropriate response.

NEWS RELEASES AND PRESS CONFERENCES

Employees are encouraged to contact the Media Relations department with news they believe may be appropriate for announcement via a news release or press conference. Media Relations:

Determines the appropriateness and timing of all press conferences, press events and news releases.
Prepares and issues all news releases.
Plans all press conferences and events.

Contact the Media Relations Manager in Knoxville for more information about news conferences and news releases.

CORPORATE TELEPRODUCTION

Video productions are developed to communicate news about TVA's corporate goals and objectives and to promote and market programs, activities and accomplishments to internal and external audiences. Other video productions are done on an as-requested basis to meet the needs of the requesting office. Contact Corporate Teleproductions at 865/632-8088 for assistance.

ROLES

Employees

Share responsibility for two-way communication within TVA.
Refer any calls from the news media to the Media Relations 24-hour line.
Contact Media Relations about any events that might merit a news release or news conference.
Contact Public Relations specialists for information about opportunities.

Supervisors

Keep employees informed about agency or organizational plans and activities that may affect employees or their work.
Initiate companywide communications by contacting Communications.

Communications

Keeps employees and the public informed about TVA activities.
Assists organizations throughout TVA with their communications responsibilities.
Maintains positive media relations in all TVA communities.
Determines when news releases and news conferences are appropriate.
Responds to all media calls.

Organizational Officers

Communicate with the employees of their organizations about activities or changes within the organization.
Use available companywide communications tools to ensure that news of interest to the rest of TVA is communicated.

RESOURCES

TVA Today Editor
Inside TVA Editor
Public Relations Staff
Media Relations Staff
Media Relations 24-hour line - 865/632-6000

Last Revised 10/1999