What follows is some general advice on obtaining and using press credentials outside your own country. Remember that each country has different requirements. Some require no accreditation at all, while others try to make sure reporters are accompanied by information ministry officials nearly all the time. These are only general guidelines.
An assignment letter or letter of introduction is essential. It should be on company letterhead, signed by a senior editor or producer in the news organization, dated recently — and be as specific as possible about the nature of your assignment. Lesser-known publications, agencies or Web sites might be wise to include some background to convince officials of the legitimacy of the news organization. Try to have several signed originals of the letter, since most officials do not like to receive copies and it may be required at numerous offices. If possible, address the letter to the specific department or official handling press credentials, but a to whom it may concern letter is usually acceptable. If your news organization has an official stamp or seal, use it on the letter; in some countries it can make a difference.
It helps to have an official identification card or press card issued by your news organization.
Press credentials from your local police department or some other organization are also helpful. Government agencies will often respect the official documents of other agencies. Make your intentions known and begin your research as far in advance as possible. Write or visit the local embassy of the country or countries you plan to visit. Even a business card from the ambassador can open some doors for you. Dont neglect the government press office in the foreign capital. Seek advice from the U.S. embassy press officer in the country. Talk to a journalist working in the country, or someone who has recently been there. Inquire at the local press association, journalists union or foreign correspondents association; sometimes those groups handle accreditation rather than the government.
In some cases, officials will ask for evidence of financial support. This is especially true on a long-term assignment. A line in the letter saying that your news organization will pay all expenses is usually sufficient, but some countries go so far as to require resident foreign correspondents to maintain a local bank account.
Find out beforehand whether you will need a special visa as a journalist. You don’t want to be stuck at the airport or sent home on the next plane.
In countries where the government might place restrictions on foreign reporters, you need to weigh those limitations against the consequences of being caught without proper accreditation. In the end its a decision only you can make, but when dealing with the police, armed forces or other officials its almost always better to have official accreditation.
Carry plenty of passport-sized photographs. Some countries require multiple accreditation applications, and each will require at least two photos.
FYI in case need accreditation in
USA
Media Credentials in New York
New York Foreign Press Center
The Center is located at: 150 East 52nd Street Fifth Floor New York, New York 10022 Phone: (212) 317-8325 | Fax: (212) 317-8355 Press Credentials New York City has several kinds of credentials for foreign journalists.
The New York Foreign Press Center issues its own credential, which is valid for two years and renewable at the end of that period for members on continuing assignment. The New York Police Department also issues press passes to journalists who frequently need to cross police lines. If you qualify for an
NYPD press pass, the Center will help you apply for it in addition to the Press Center pass. United Nations credentials are needed for access to the U.N.
New York Foreign Press Center Pass:
You must apply in person. Telephone the New York Foreign Press Center to make an appointment with the program officer for your country. When you come to the Center for your appointment, you need to bring your passport with your I-visa or green card as well as two letters. The letters, originals, in English and on letterhead, will be kept on file at the Foreign Press Center: (1) A letter from the director of your news organization in your country or from the U.S. bureau chief. It must name you as a journalist assigned to the New York area, state the nature of your assignment, and, if possible, indicate the approximate duration.
***NOTE: IF
YOU WISH TO
OBTAIN A
LETTER FOR THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF
MOTOR VEHICLES,
YOUR NEWS ORGANIZATION LETTER MUST INDICATE YOUR ASSIGNMENT DURATION IN
NEW YORK.
(2) A letter from your country’s consulate. This should verify the company you work for is a news organization. Once the Foreign Press Center has accepted your letters and verified your journalist status, a
NYFPC press card will be issued by scheduling an appointment with the appropriate program officer.
New York Police Press Pass:
If you are interested in obtaining a
NYC Police Department pass, information can be found at:
http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/nypd/html/dcpi/presscred.html.
United Nations:
For information about U.N. press passes, call or visit the U.N. Department of Press and Information Liaison and Accreditation Office at: United Nations Building S-250 New York, NY 10017 Phone: (212) 963-7164.
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