Press cards allow journalists to access areas with a high level of security and control. There are different types of press cards for different events. Some organizations do not require media crews to wear official press cards, while others do. Freelance journalists and photographers can get a press pass with the right planning and connections.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Getting Press Cards for Special Occasions
Step 1. Find information about the event ahead of time
Events in question include music concerts, sporting events, and other events that require admission. A press pass for the event allows you to enter for free and is sometimes allowed backstage access for additional coverage. Concerts usually have a special area that is responsible for giving out the card.
Find information about the event and contact the event organizer to find out who is in charge of the event
Step 2. Prepare identification
To get a press card, you need an identity or a record that proves that you work for a media. Use your old articles or coverage that is relevant to the event. This lets the organizing committee see how you work and makes sure the demographics match the event.
- One of the best ways to prove your affiliation with the media is to make contact via a work email address.
- Use a work email address and make sure you include information describing your position at the company. For example: Fajar / Photographer and Editor of Melodi Indonesia Magazine"
- An identity created specifically by your company can also be used.
Step 3. Contact the press relations office
Try to contact the organizers as early as possible. Let them know who you are and what media you represent. The press relations office is also known as the public relations office or public relations office. You may need to convince them why they need to give you permission and how you can provide positive coverage of the event.
- You are usually required to provide information about the blog's publications and followers who have benefited from the coverage.
- Write simple, but professional emails. You can start with “Hello, I'm _, a professional photographer from _. I am interested in covering the Photo Festival in July and would like special photographer access.”
Step 4. Be persistent when trying to get a press pass
Some long-planned events will share a special identity with trusted media crews. In this situation, the organizers are usually quite strict in verifying identity. Keep it clear that you want to cover the event. Try to convince them that you deserve the identity.
- Whoever issued the event ID must have a record of the names of the people who had access to it.
- You must apply for press card issuance as soon as possible!
Step 5. Take the identity and keep it safe
Some photographers keep all the press identities they ever get for a variety of reasons. This identity is considered a “trophy” by journalists and is a visual proof that you are an experienced journalist. You may be able to use the old press identity to smooth out the way to get special access to an event.
Step 6. Join a journalists' union
You can become a member of a journalists' union that protects and helps budding photographers and writers cover an event. Some unions require membership fees and provide easy access to jobs and press cards.
The journalism union registration process is usually quite simple. They will ask you to provide examples and proof of published writing
Method 2 of 3: Getting a Government Issued Press Card
Step 1. Make sure you need a government-issued press card
You only need this press card when covering matters relating to crime scenes, exclusive press conferences or other non-emergency events that are escorted by the police. Government-issued press cards are usually restricted to media crews. The access and requirements vary from one region to another.
- If you qualify for a press card from the Jakarta government, the card may not be valid when covering government events in Bandung.
- Government press cards will expire after some time. Check this with your local government office after getting it.
- You can interview government employees or the police without a press card.
Step 2. Apply for a government-issued press card
Do an online search to find out if your local government issues press cards. Some small towns do not have an office responsible for this matter. Press cards are usually associated with the local police. Only new agencies covering crime news need to do this.
- New York City in the United States of America. for example, requiring you to submit one or more articles or articles that have been published in the last 24 months. You also have to prove that you have written at least six personal reports.
- Most press card applications can be made via the police website.
Step 3. Apply for a freelance press card
If you are a freelance correspondent working for multiple agencies, you can still get a press card from the government. Ask for proof of employee status to your contacts at these agencies. Some cities require you to provide three different identification papers. Agencies from other cities will only issue government-issued press cards to reporters employed by media that are official partners.
- Your reference letter must include verification of completed tasks on the media.
- Every police station in a city has different rules for freelance reporters.
Step 4. Request a press card from your agency
There are many cities that do not accept personal press card applications and only want to publish them through official news agencies. If you're new to media work, discuss government press cards with your boss. You may be able to get them when assigned to cover relevant matters.
Your agency will only issue a government-issued press card when it is necessary
Method 3 of 3: Creating Press Cards
Step 1. Understand the ins and outs of a homemade press ID card
There are many photographers and reporters who create their own press cards with Photoshop or other tools for editing photos. In some events, you will get this card from the organizers. However, sometimes you need additional information. This is why many people in the world of journalism post photo IDs that reflect their profession.
This ID does not guarantee you access to an event. However, it is only used to explain your credibility in the field
Step 2. Prepare the necessary equipment
The most common way to make your own press ID card is to use a lanyard ID holder. You can buy it at almost any store that sells office supplies. You'll also need high gloss paper to print your photos of yourself. It's also a good idea to have software for editing images, such as Photoshop, on a good computer.
If you don't have a photo of yourself, ask someone to help you take a high-quality photo
Step 3. Create an ID card on the computer
Open Photoshop or other photo editing software. Make a document measuring 8.56 x 5.39 cm according to the standard of a regular identification card. Decide whether you want to print the card in landscape or horizontal orientation. Insert your photo into the document and crop it until your face is clearly visible.
- Next, enter the small text that says “PRESS” and the media you are affiliated with. Type “PERS” or “MEDIA” in black or red letters. You can also include information that you are a photographer or journalist.
- If the media you're working on has a logo, insert it into the corner of your ID card or set it to appear half-transparent as a background.
- Keep your ID card as simple as possible to look professional.
Step 4. Print the ID card
We recommend printing the card on thick high gloss paper. Print your ID card and cut it carefully. Make a neat cut according to the shape. Print several cards on one sheet of paper as a backup.
Make sure your printer can print colored paper before starting this process
Step 5. Compose your ID card
Once you've cut out your ID, you just have to finish the process. Insert the card into the holder. You are now ready to travel with a press pass. You can also include a reference from your boss on the back of the card.
