I need press-pass

wr...@earthlink.net

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Jul 6, 1997, 3:00:00 AM7/6/97

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Can someone tell me how to obtain a press-pass?

Boy1e

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Jul 9, 1997, 3:00:00 AM7/9/97

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>>
Can someone tell me how to obtain a press-pass?
<<

You don't mention what you need a press pass to. A press pass means
nothing of itself. It's not a legal document, and it doesn't entitle you
to any access to anything.

A press pass is essentially just a group's acknowledgement that it will
provide the possessor with what access and privileges it provides to
members of the media. It has no influence outside that specific
organization. And frequently, it has no influence *inside* that
organization, either.

So, if you need access to a specific event or organization, get in touch
with the appropriate group.

Todd

Joe Harkins

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Jul 10, 1997, 3:00:00 AM7/10/97

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bo...@aol.com (Boy1e) wrote:

>>>
>Can someone tell me how to obtain a press-pass?

>You don't mention what you need a press pass to. A press pass means
>nothing of itself. It's not a legal document, and it doesn't entitle you
>to any access to anything.

The spirit of your response is understandable, since no working journalist
wants unqualified people running around waving a press pass. And to be
accurate, a press "pass" does exactly what you say it doesn't, that is,
admit the bearer to an event. Which is why many want it. That's also why
the press officers of events usually confirm eligibility well in advance of
the event.

But there is another item called "press credential". That is, a document
issued by a valid organization with professional standards or standing. In
NYC, the police issue two kinds of press ID to verified members of the
local papers' staffs, each of which is usually honored to permit crossing
police lines in certain situations. In NJ, the NJ Press Association works
with the NJ State Police to vett applicants for a similar item.
Freelancers are frequently denied such credentials because they are not
employed by any single publication.

But, members of the National Writers Union (UAW - AFL / CIO) receive a
membership card and may purchase an additional Press photo ID as well. I've
laminated mine, keep it in my wallet, and it has been honored in some
situations.

Even credentials issued by the cops are not proof against problems. I was
busted in the NY Subway in 1994 while photographing cops in the process of
arresting subway troublemakers. The arresting cop said photography in the
NY subway is illegal, and refused to honor my NYPD Press Card.

Turns out there really is such a law, but it also specifically exempts
holders of valid Press Cards. But the poor cops made the tactical mistake
that very same day, at another subway station, of arresting a
non-credentialed citizen for photographing truly dangerously exposed
electrical wiring, a situation that subway officials had ignored her
attempts to have corrected. They busted her when she tendered the photos to
the NY Transit Dept engineers. It probably was her arrest, more than mine,
that raised the issue of First Amendment rights.

The arrests backfired bigtime, probably beause they happened on a slow news
day. The actions made front page and page three of local tabs and the
nightly news on three TVstations. The red-faced NYPD ended the matter by
withdrawing all charges, apologizing to both me and the citizen, and
announcing the law would be noted to cops as one to be ignored.