Press cards can help you report from areas off-limits to the general public. But they have different purposes. Which one do you need?
A TV reporter conducting an interview with Szlankó Bálint, the Hungarian journalist who won the Internet Prize for Journalism.
Press cards are a form of identification for journalists that grants them access to areas otherwise off-limits to the general public.
The card does not give its holder any special privilege. It merely shows authorities and event organisers that a reputable organisation has vouched that you are a legitimate journalist, with a right to report and a duty to do so ethically.
However, different press cards serve various purposes. We rounded up six issued by the best-known organisations in the UK.
The International Press Card is used by journalists in 130 countries. It is the oldest, and only, press card of its kind. In the UK, it is issued by other national journalism organisations like the NUJ (see below).
What is it typically for?
There are no guarantees but this card can help access official meetings within the European Union, UN agencies and other international media events.
Journalists working in conflict zones have also testified to the card helping to deal with soldiers, police and other officials.
Who can apply?
Members of the IFJ-affiliated national journalist organisations.
Are there any requirements?
You must be a professional member of the Guild in good standing and commit to this for the duration of the card. You must also have written at least three articles for a publication not owned by you that is vetted and edited by an editorial staff.
How much does it cost?
The card lasts two years and costs $99 / £78 (plus shipping). Apply here
The UK Press Card is the UK's single press identity card and the only one recognised by the UK chief police officers' associations.
The UKPCA works with UK's newspaper associations, trade unions and media organisations (some of which are listed below). These organisations – known as gatekeepers – issue their own cards to their employees or members who are professional newsgatherers.
Its purposes, requirements, uses and costs vary depending on which gatekeeper you have gone through.
The most common press card issuer in the UK, issuing more than half of the cards in circulation.
Recognised by the UK police force and other public bodies for journalists - staff reporters, photographers, videographers and freelance reporters - to gain access to otherwise restricted areas. The NUJ can also issue the International Press Card (see above).
NUJ union members working in England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.
Evidence is required to prove that they regularly carry out work that requires a press card.
Free of charge to members (between £17.85 to £30.50 a month depending on salary). Apply here
For journalists working in the UK, without requiring membership to NMA.
NMA press cards are formally recognised by all police forces in the UK, by the Ministry of Justice, and other public bodies.
Journalists working for national and regional news organisations, including freelance journalists.
Applicants should not hold any other press card.
Freelance applications must be accompanied by an email from an editor or managing director of a national or regional newspaper, vouching for their credibility.
£38 for NMA members and £73 for non-members. Apply here
A more flexible press card. For UK journalists working in any medium, i.e. broadcasting, newspapers, magazines and online media. Also open to a broader range of media professionals, i.e. broadcasters, reporters, hyperlocal editors, photographers, writers, sub-editors, page layout artists, and many other roles associated with journalism. Membership also not required.
A wide range of purposes.
Staffers must provide a letter from an executive in their office certifying their eligibility.
Freelancers must provide a letter from an executive of the publication/radio/TV network/website for which they work regularly.
£17.50 for BAJ members or £65 for non-members. Apply here
A press card specifically for magazine and specialist media businesses publishing online and in print in the UK. PPA also issues cards on behalf of the BSME (British Society of Magazine Editors).
Accepted as a means of identification by UK Police forces who may, at their discretion, give cardholders access to areas restricted to the general public.
Cards are only issued to businesses that are members of the PPA or freelancers supported by them.
Sales and PR personnel are not eligible.
£38
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