The WMF Archives

By Angela Atkinson

A press pass (AKA journalist pass or press card) is issued to writers, journalists and photographers who are attempting to cover shows, concerts, political events and other limited access occasions. A press pass grants special permissions and access to the holder, and some even have recognized legal status. Depending on the type of issuing agency, different authorizations are afforded.

Debunking the Myth

Often, people mistakenly believe that a press-pass gives one free access to every aspect of the event--and in some cases, people believe that there is some mysterious "all-access" pass which offers journalists the inside track to any and every newsworthy event.

In reality, the standard press pass generally gives one privileges for the single event (or series of events) for which it's been granted. And the mysterious "all-access" pass? Well, that just doesn't exist. But, the persistent myth could be referring to a press ID, which is usually issued by a reporter's employer (or a freelancer's client) and is used simply to identify one's self as a member of the press. Press IDs can be useful, but don't generally grant one any special access or privileges.

Getting a Press Pass

So, you're covering a local concert or show, political event or other event and you need a press pass. How do you go about obtaining one? The process may be simpler than you'd expect.

Find out who to contact. You may need to reach out to a PR firm, record company, radio station or other type of organization.

Check the website for information on requirements for obtaining a press pass--only call if media information isn't available on the website. Contact the event's organizers at least one month in advance. Send a written request (as required by the organization) asking for the necessary press credentials, and be sure it's on letterhead from the media source in which you plan to publish your coverage. If you're a freelancer, an editor or other employee of the publication can do this on your behalf.

In your written request, be sure to give a detailed description of the type of access you'll require, including any one-on-one interview requests. Writers are typically given access to press areas, as well as free admittance to the event. If the event has limited press access, be sure to give an idea of the amount of readers your publication typically reaches, as organizers will issue passes based on the largest readerships.

Once your request for a press pass has been approved, you'll receive it through Fed-Ex a day or two in advance, or you may be required to pick it up the day of the event.

A Word of Warning

Remember that you'll need to provide copies of anything you publish about the event to the firm that handled media relations for the event. If you choose not to provide a copy of your coverage, you risk being sent a bill for your ticket--or worse, you can be blacklisted--meaning that the organization (and other media relations groups) may refuse to issue you press passes in the future.

Let's Talk About Press Passes