You are a blogger who is trying to get media credentials to access events such as concerts, lectures or situations where having a press pass would allow you to get permission to take photos or talk to people? If you are a blogger, this article has great information on how you can get required media press passes.
How to get media credentials as a blogger?
- Bloggers can get media press passes for events or other press welcoming occasions by applying directly to the event organizer.
- You can apply for your press I.D. at the event press office.
- The US Press Association Does issue press cards to bloggers.
To Begin With, What is a media Press Pass?
The term “press pass” can mean several different things. Primarily it depends on who you ask, and even where you are? Media organizations including the US Press Association “The USPA”, issue their members or in some cases employees press credentials which are often referred to as a press pass.
It is important to realize that depending on your role in journalism or media, the term press pass can certainly range in meaning. Simply having an ID that was issued to you by a media outlet does not give you carte blanche or the ability to go anywhere or enter any facility of your choosing. It’s unfortunate but there are some websites out there that blur the lines to make it seem that some card they are offering to sell you will somehow allow you to access various places or simply enter all venues. There are even some websites and videos out there with "how to make your own press pass" posts. If your "press pass" isn't backed by a media outlet or some type of organization, the "press pass" you are making is worth about as much as the paper you printed it on. Truth is, if you are wanting to attend an event or access a venue you would need what is also referred to as a “press pass” or media pass. This however is issued by other sources (management, publicists, PR personnel, venue security) to name a few. In order to receive this press pass, it often needs to be requested ahead of time and there is typically a deadline for making such requests. In the instance of a photographer either being assigned a job photographing a concert or acting as a freelancer the expectation of showing up to take pictures the day of a concert and expecting to have access to either the pit or backstage is just ridiculous. Sure you can go under general admission, but you will probably be limited to a fixed lense (non DSLR) camera. The odds of finding yourself with either pit or backstage access are extremely slim. Photographers wanting and requesting this type of access do so well in advance as their access needs to be facilitated by perhaps multiple individuals possibly including artists management.This is a key difference you will find between the US Press Association and the less than forthcoming websites out there that are trying to take advantage of enthusiastic newcomers to the field of journalism and media. Rather than claiming to offer some type of card that gives it’s holder the ability to go wherever they want, our approach is to actually help our members through the process. While some members already have prior experience and use their membership, USPA press pass and credentials to secure specific press/media passes on their own, if a member is either just starting out in the field or simply doesn’t have the time or the information on who to contact to make the request, the US Press Association is here to help navigate through some of the complexities that may arise. The USPA Press Pass and credentials are internationally recognized and we have helped our members with a wide range of industry specific issues for the past two decades.
Why Would Bloggers Need Press Passes For Their Work?
Most often, new Bloggers want to know why they need Press credentials to ask people a few questions at an event? The reason is conversations with speakers are considered to be an interview and whether or not the blog owner realizes it, they are working as reporters or citizen journalists even if they just want to get a couple of questions answered from experts for the niche their blogs are based on.
There may be times blog writers would like to go backstage after a concert or play to interview actors and actresses in a play, or if lucky can catch the performer at a concert. Security officers still need your press credentials to verify your identity if you want access to a restricted area.
However, bloggers can take photos without press pass cards if you are at a sporting event like World Cup Soccer, the Olympics, a concert, or political candidate rallies. Besides, that rule would be very difficult to enforce where everyone snapping pictures all over the venue with their smartphones. So, in those situations, you are the photographer and the photos you take are your property.
Next, are situations where a blogger would need press credentials. These are instances where pictures are generally not allowed are events such as restricted speaking engagements, police situations, or government events where taking photos would need to be cleared by security first. They will also need press cards to park in restricted areas.
Where Can I Get Media Press Credentials or a Press Card?
Bloggers can media press credentials or press pass cards, as most journalists may call them from event organizer press offices or sponsors by contacting them by email well in advance of the day the event is to take place. The reason is competition and applying early gives you a better chance of getting the press pass. Networking with your connections who are friends of organizers and sponsors can help.
Media press credential cards are available through the US Press Association and their press passes are recognized worldwide.
Law enforcement agencies can also provide press passes and I know it sounds strange but not only can they provide bloggers press passes for large events such as marathons, festivals, sporting events and rallies but they can also issue car signs so that blog owners can park in restricted areas without having their cars ticketed and towed. Again, it’s best to apply early.
What Do I Need When I Apply For the Press Pass?
You will need to register for the press pass online by filling in your name, address, all other demographic information and possibly some identification such as a driver’s license or state I.D. Bloggers will need to provide the name of their blog and website address for verification. Other items that are usually needed are your email address, and phone.
Other People Asked
How to get a press pass for concerts?
Networking is the best place to start if you know someone who knows concert organizers, publicists or the performer’s agent, ask them nicely and they could help get you in
Media pass sample email
A very nice professionally put together sample comes from Ben Eubanks at upstartHR
How to get a free press pass?
Contact the event organizer or sponsor. Generally, the event organizer or sponsor will have a contact form or link to get in touch with them. This contact information is typically found at the very bottom of the event or event registration page. Many event pages online will have a page specifically for Media which will take you to the right person or team for that event.
