English Media Group

The English Media Group (EMG) is a dedicated section of the Workers of England Trade Union. We are an inclusive group representing a wide spectrum of media professionals, all united in the pursuit of better pay, improved working conditions, and the protection of media freedom, professionalism, and ethical standards.

Our members commit to defending Free Speech and, in the pursuit of truth, leave no stone unturned—reporting facts and holding those in authority to account on behalf of the people of England.

Our Mission and Values

At EMG we:

• Champion ethical journalism and a free press
• Advocate for fair pay and better working conditions
• Defend media freedom against undue restriction
• Promote professionalism and industry best practices

Journalistic Roles Recognised by the ONS

The UK Standard Classification Code published by the Office of National Statistics defines the single occupational group “journalist, newspaper and periodical editors,” which includes roles such as:

• Art Editor
• Broadcast Journalist
• Columnist
• Commentator
• Communications Officer
• Copy Editor
• Court Reporter
• Critic
• Diarist
• Editorial Director / Manager
• Editor / Sub-Editor
• Feature Writer / Freelance Writer / Journalist
• Foreign / Political / Newspaper Correspondent
• Listings / Leader / Production / News / Picture Editor
• Press Representative / Publications Officer
• Radio Journalist / Reporter / Sports Writer
• Technical Correspondent / Turf Correspondent
• Writer

How to Join the English Media Group

1. Click the green “Join” button on this page and become a member of the Workers of England Trade Union (learn about membership benefits).
2. Receive a confirmation email with your WEU Membership Number (begins EDD) after setting up your Direct Debit.
3. Email a high-quality head-and-shoulders photograph, your chosen occupation from the list above, and your WEU Membership Number to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
4. Pay the £120 application fee using one of the following methods:
   • Stripe
   • PayPal
   • Email our office to request BACS transfer details
5. Your EMG press card will arrive within 10–15 days.

Press Card Validity and Rules

The EMG press card is valid for two years and remains the property of the English Media Group at Workers of England Union. It may be withdrawn if the holder:

• Fails to comply with WEU rules
• Ceases to be a member of the Workers of England Union

Important: If a police officer requests your EMG press card, you must show it. Failure to do so could bring the WEU into disrepute and result in revocation of your membership.

Industry Guidance: Working with Journalists during COVID-19

The National Police Chiefs’ Council states that journalists are expected to carry a UK Press Card or other official record of employment. The EMG press card fulfils this requirement.

• NPCC Guidance (PDF)
• NPCC Update (PDF)

Legal Case: Press Association Ltd v Workers of England Union

In Case No. IL-2020-000124, The Press Association Limited sought to prevent us from using “English Press Association.” Key outcomes:

• There was no court ruling declaring our press cards “fake.”
• It was acknowledged we have the right to issue press ID cards.
• We agreed to rebrand as English Media Group to avoid potential trademark issues.
• The court did not question our authority as an independent trade union (not affiliated with the UK Press Card Authority).

We have used the name English Media Group for over six years, and our website and press cards now reflect this change.

workersofengland.co.uk | Independent Workers Trade Union