Press passes allow journalists access to high-profile and controlled areas. There are different types of passes for different events. Some organizations do not require the media to use official press passes while others do. Freelance journalists and photojournalists can get press passes with the right planning and connections.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Get a press pass for a special event
Step 1. In advance, do your research on the event
Special events include concerts, sports competitions, and other events for which a ticket is required. The press pass grants you free admission and sometimes allows you to access the backstage area for more coverage. In general, the concerts will have a promoter, independent of the venue, who will be responsible for granting these passes.
Research the event and contact the venue to help you track down who is in charge
Step 2. Prepare your credentials
To get a press pass you will need credentials or records that prove that you work for a media outlet. Use previous articles or coverages that are related to the event in which you are interested. It will be beneficial for promoters to see your work style and demographics, if applicable to the event in question.
- One of the best ways to test your affiliation with a news source is by using a corporate email address to get in touch.
- Make sure your corporate email address includes a signature that indicates your role in the company. For example: "Gerardo Suárez. Photographer and editor of Noticias Subterráneas de Los Angeles".
- An ID from the newspaper or broadcaster could also be helpful.
Step 3. Contact the press office
Try to contact them as soon as possible. Let them know who you are and who you work for. Often times, the press office will adopt the names of the public affairs office or public relations office. Perhaps you should sell them the idea of why they would want to allow you access to the event and how you would benefit them with favorable coverage.
- They will ask you to provide information about the post or about the blog followers who would benefit from the coverage.
- Create an email that contains a simple but professional proposal. You could start with “Hi, my name is ________ and I'm an avid photojournalist for ________. I am getting in touch with you because I am interested in requesting a photographers pass for the Switchfoot concert that will be held in July”.
Step 4. Be persistent in getting a press pass
Some preconceived events will award badges for accredited members of the media. In those cases, the issuing authority can be very tough on credentials. Insist that you are there to cover the story. Try to convince them that giving you a badge would be a good idea.
- Whoever grants the badges at the event will have a record with all the names of the people with access to the event.
- You better apply for the press pass as soon as possible!
Step 5. Get the badge and keep it
For various reasons, some photographers keep all the little press badges they get. For journalists, badges are like trophies and serve as visual indicators that you are an experienced journalist. You may find that you can get preferential access to important events using just an old badge.
Step 6. Join a journalists union
You can join a journalists' union that protects photographers and freelance writers and helps them cover events. Some unions require you to pay a fee and will benefit you with paid jobs and less hassle in getting press passes.
With most writers' unions, the application process is straightforward. They will ask you to provide samples and proof of your writing
Method 2 of 3: Obtain a State-issued Press Pass
Step 1. Make sure you need a state press pass
It will only be necessary if you cover stories related to crime scenes, exclusive press conferences and other types of non-emergency events that have police barriers. Generally, press passes issued by the state are reserved for media officials. Access to and eligibility for these types of press passes varies from state to state.
- If you are eligible for a press pass in your state through work on your blog, things may be different in another state.
- Press passes issued by the State expire after a stipulated period. Once you get one, check its validity with your local agency.
- You can interview members of the government and police without having a press pass.
Step 2. Apply for a state press pass
Do a quick internet search to find out if press passes are issued in your city or town. Some small towns do not have an office in charge of issuing press passes. Passes are generally linked to the local police department. Only new agencies covering criminal investigations or government press conferences have to do this.
- In Nueva, for example, you are required to submit one or more articles or comments published for a period of two years. Also, you have to prove that you have personally covered six or more stories.
- Most applications can be completed on the police website.
Step 3. Apply for a freelance journalist pass
If you are a freelance news correspondent working for multiple agencies, you can still get a pass from the government. Write to your contacts in each of the news sources and request a proof of the employment relationship. In some cities, three different identification cards are required. In other cities, agencies only issue state passes to reporters who work for an official news source.
- Your reference letters should include commission checks carried out for a news outlet.
- Each city's police department will have different rules for freelance journalists.
Step 4. Get the pass through your news agency
Many cities do not accept applications and only issue press passes through official news agencies. If you start working for a media outlet, you should talk to your superiors about state press passes. You may learn that you will receive one if you are assigned a story that requires it.
Your agency will only release them if you are looking for events that require state press passes
Method 3 of 3: Create a Press Pass
Step 1. Understand what home press badges are
Many photojournalists and reporters create their own press passes with Photoshop or another photo editing program. For various events you will be awarded an official press pass. However, sometimes you need additional information. That is why many people in the field of journalism create an identification with their photograph in which they indicate what their role is.
These IDs do not guarantee access to a Paul Simon concert or an interview with Seth Curry. They serve to further establish your credibility in the field
Step 2. Get the supplies
The most common way to reproduce a press ID is with a lanyard holder. You can buy these types of badge holders at most office supply stores. Also, you will need a high gloss paper to print the graphic on it. You better have access to a photo editing program, like Photoshop, on a decent computer.
If you don't have a good photo of yourself, you will need someone to help you take a high-quality one
Step 3. Create the ID on the computer
On your computer, open Photoshop or any other photo editing program. Creates a 3⅛”x 2” (80mm x 50mm) document which is the normal size for badges. Decide if you want to create a badge in a portrait or landscape orientation. Insert the photo into the document and crop it so that it is only a clear image of your face.
- Then, you must insert a minimum text in which you indicate that you are "PRESS" and the organization to which you belong. Write "PRESS" or "MEDIA" in black or red letters. In addition, you could include that you are a photographer or journalist.
- If your news organization has a logo, insert it in the corner of the badge or put it as a watermark.
- Keep it simple to make it look as professional as possible.
Step 4. Print the ID
It's best to print it on thick, high-gloss paper. Print the ID and cut the badge carefully. When you cut the outline of the ID, do it cleanly. Print multiple IDs on the same page, in case you miss one.
Before starting the process, make sure your printer can print in color
Step 5. Assemble the lace-up stand
Once you have your final ID badge cutout, you are ready to finish. Insert the badge into the laced holder. Then you will be ready to hit the streets with your press badge. On the back of the card, they could include some references to your superiors.