Press IDs Press Passes Press Credentials
First of all, becoming a broadcaster, podcaster or blogger does NOT entitle us to free access to private events like sporting events or rock concerts. Organizers of these events often grant credentials to selected members of the working press in order to make it easier to cover and photograph the event. However, such enhanced access is controlled by the event organizers. If you are covering an event for KCAA, the station may be required to request credentials on your behalf.
If you are covering the event for your radio program and not for KCAA, you may still attempt to obtain credentials through the same channels. While every event is different, most will have a specific public relations or press contact person. If you cannot find a contact on their website, call the main number and ask for the person who handles media inquiries. Then explain the project you are working on and ask if they will provide you with a media credential.
If the event is run by a governmental agency, they may be required to grant equal access to all members of the media. In such cases, it will be your burden to prove you are actually covering the event as a member of the media. If you do not meet the requirements to obtain a press credential, you may be required to pay an admission fee to enter the event.
Please note that many events prohibit photography or recording of the event/performance and that purchasing a ticket is for admission purposes only, subject to other restrictions. Never assume that just because you purchased a ticket to an event that you also have the right to photograph or record the event/performance. Also, be aware that event press credentials may also contain certain restrictions. It is extremely important to read any agreements before signing them. By accepting press credentials you may be waiving certain rights, including the copyright.
You do not need a press "credential" to take pictures or cover events in public places (streets, parks, sidewalks that are not closed off to public access). You do not need government approval to work as a journalist, although it may be beneficial to obtain a “Press ID” or an official government-issued press credential for other reasons. Press credentials related to news coverage are usually issued by law enforcement agencies. Requirements for the issuance of credentials are established by those agencies and vary by department. One agency may not recognize the privileges granted by the credentials from another department. Event specific press credentials are usually provided by the organizers of the event, i.e. major league sports, concerts, festivals, press conferences, corporate meetings.
Some news organizations, like KCAA will issue ID cards that identify employees and programmers as either working for KCAA or having an association with KCAA. You may create an ID using Photoshop and use a laminated luggage tag (such as the ones available HERE stating "Press" or "Media" on the ID, along with your name, photo and the KCAA logo but it will not automatically provide any additional privilege or access beyond what is available to the general public.
Do not use your press ID to claim that you work for NBC. You may however, add the NBC Radio News logo to your Press ID along with the KCAA logo but the KCAA logo must be more prominant than the NBC logo and it must clearly define your association with KCAA and not infer that you are employed by the NBC Network.
Organizations like The National Press Photographers Association, (NPPA) also provides its members the opportunity to purchase a Member Photo ID. The NPPA Member Photo ID is for identification purposes only. The ID’s are available to NPPA members only. More information and application requirements are available HERE
Here is a link to the US Press Association which has categories of membership, depending upon your press status.
Here is another site operated by a group of Press association which will be helpful.
It is important to note that any press credential or ID will not necessarily entitle you to greater access than the general public. It may, however, help identify you to organizations and subjects who may be requesting such information.
The advent of bloggers has also changed press credential policy across America.
A government issued press ID may provide improved access in some situations. It is another form of identification and in some communities may be acceptable to law enforcement agencies for purposes of access beyond police and fire lines (but this is always at the discretion of the officer in charge of the scene). Some courts may allow media with a court-issued ID or other government issued press pass to enter the courthouse without being screened.
There is no single answer for how to obtain a press ID from a governmental agency. Every municipality that provides press ID’s has its own policies. Agencies providing press ID’s usually have a public information officer (PIO) whose job it is to deal with the media. The PIO may be a good first point of contact for obtaining credential information and applications. In some large cities, the media credential policy may be available online. For an example, HERE is the policy page of the L.A.P.D.
KCAA thanks all the press organizations that contributed to this bank of knowledge, especially the NPPA, which was the original source for most of this information.
