Press Credential Limitations

[John Photography]

hello. i was successful in acquiring press credentials from a local newspaper. my question is, what type of limitation am i held to with the credentials? meaning....would i be able to walk up to the Staples Center before a Laker game and show them my press credentials and be able to gain access?

for those of you in the press corp, kindly give me some input and educate me.

thanks in advance.

[nphsbuckeye]

No, you would need a separate sport's pass.

[John Photography]

No, you would need a separate sport's pass.
so what would my press credential allow me access to? it states any newsworthy event.....lol

[nphsbuckeye]

Contact the Staple Center itself. Basketball is a little harder than say football because of the limited area. If you have press credentials from the paper, you can probably get one for the Lakers, but unless the pass is actually from the Lakers, it won't get you in.

[John Photography]

Contact the Staple Center itself. Basketball is a little harder than say football because of the limited area. If you have press credentials from the paper, you can probably get one for the Lakers, but unless the pass is actually from the Lakers, it won't get you in.

yes, i have press credentials from a local newspaper. sorry, but your last part of your post is sort of confusing.

[nphsbuckeye]

yes, i have press credentials from a local newspaper. sorry, but your last part of your post is sort of confusing.
Are they specifically for the Lakers? If not, someone has to contact the Staple Center and tell them you want to shoot a game. For pro sporting events, or college, you have a pass specifically for them - either season or per game basis. Since you are asking, it sounds like you don't have one. It seems a lot of press passes from the paper are more like an ID - it'll let the people know you are legit, but it won't get you into games.

[John Photography]

Are they specifically for the Lakers? If not, someone has to contact the Staple Center and tell them you want to shoot a game. For pro sporting events, or college, you have a pass specifically for them - either season or per game basis. Since you are asking, it sounds like you don't have one. It seems a lot of press passes from the paper are more like an ID - it'll let the people know you are legit, but it won't get you into games.
no, it's regular press credential...not specific to the Staples Center and/or Lakers.

so with the Staples Center aside, how 'bout big Hollywood events? i'm just trying get a grasp of what "reach" this press pass has, if any.

thanks again

[The Moose]

Even though you have press credentials, you might need the paper to call and book a pass to something specific for you.

[nphsbuckeye]

no, it's regular press credential...not specific to the Staples Center and/or Lakers.

so with the Staples Center aside, how 'bout big Hollywood events? i'm just trying get a grasp of what "reach" this press pass has, if any.

thanks again
No clue about that. I know of sports because of shooting OSU and the Columbus Crew, Blue Jackets, and Clippers.

[John Photography]

Even though you have press credentials, you might need the paper to call and book a pass to something specific for you.
gotcha. so the thought of walking up to an event, flashing my press pass won't do me any good!?

[nphsbuckeye]

Even though you have press credentials, you might need the paper to call and book a pass to something specific for you.
Which is what I've been trying to say. :lol:

[John Photography]

... and Clippers.
sorry they put you through that! :lol:

[John Photography]

Which is what I've been trying to say. :lol:
yes you have, specific to the Staples Center....now i'm inquiring about other events, other than sports. :lol:

[The Moose]

gotcha. so the thought of walking up to an event, flashing my press pass won't do me any good!?

I don't think so. When people say they want a press pass or something like that, everyone always tells them it is a press pass for a reason. It's meant to be for someone in the press. And even though you've got one, it might work at some places at some smaller, more local events but you would definitely need the people you work for to ring up and organise one for you.

Which is what I've been trying to say. :lol:

:lol: Didn't mean to steal your thunder. I knew you were saying what I was but you were being specific to college/professional so I thought I'd pop in with a sentence.

[John Photography]

I don't think so. When people say they want a press pass or something like that, everyone always tells them it is a press pass for a reason. It's meant to be for someone in the press. And even though you've got one, it might work at some places at some smaller, more local events but you would definitely need the people you work for to ring up and organise one for you.

ok, so there's a second layer of calls/inquires that has to be made on top of having the credentials.

with that said, would contacting the PR department be the one to make the inquiry?

[LBaldwin]

Press credentials are for NEWS, sports even though it is reported on TV and in papers is not really news, it is sports entertainment. HS and College are news but they are generally folllowing the same as pro sports. They have total control over access, image usage, (other than editorial) and sales of reprints.

No press credentials do not work for pro sports, they issue and control their own. So if you want to shoot basketball or other sports the paper has to send their media relations department a letter, fax or email requesting a credential. And you will most likely be presented with a written agreement to restrict the usage of any images you shoot to editorial ONLY. If you try to resell those images for posters, coffee cups or reprints you can and probably will get sued. In order to use sports or music related images in commercial work it requires a license that is VERY expensive, and you will be required to share your profit with whatever team is involved. Refuse to sign the contract? You will be asked to leave.

Your general credential issued by the paper can be used as ID at fires, car wrecks or other hard news events. But keep in mind that the Police, fire department and private security can refuse you access, even if you are recognized press...

BTW anyone can create their own press credential and it has about the same level of recognition...

[John Photography]

Press credentials are for NEWS, sports even though it is reported on TV and in papers is not really news, it is sports entertainment. HS and College are news but they are generally folllowing the same as pro sports. They have total control over access, image usage, (other than editorial) and sales of reprints.

No press credentials do not work for pro sports, they issue and control their own. So if you want to shoot basketball or other sports the paper has to send their media relations department a letter, fax or email requesting a credential. And you will most likely be presented with a written agreement to restrict the usage of any images you shoot to editorial ONLY. If you try to resell those images for posters, coffee cups or reprints you can and probably will get sued. In order to use sports or music related images in commercial work it requires a license that is VERY expensive, and you will be required to share your profit with whatever team is involved. Refuse to sign the contract? You will be asked to leave.

Your general credential issued by the paper can be used as ID at fires, car wrecks or other hard news events. But keep in mind that the Police, fire department and private security can refuse you access, even if you are recognized press...

BTW anyone can create their own press credential and it has about the same level of recognition...

thanks for the clarification.

as far as making their own press credential, that's interesting. the one i received looks pretty official with contact info for confirmation and even a signature from the EIC. but i can see how it can be made easily.

[LBaldwin]

The idea is that everyone in the US is afforded freedom of the press, so anyone (technically) can be a member of the press.

[nphsbuckeye]

Press credentials are for NEWS, sports even though it is reported on TV and in papers is not really news, it is sports entertainment. HS and College are news but they are generally folllowing the same as pro sports. They have total control over access, image usage, (other than editorial) and sales of reprints.

No press credentials do not work for pro sports, they issue and control their own. So if you want to shoot basketball or other sports the paper has to send their media relations department a letter, fax or email requesting a credential. And you will most likely be presented with a written agreement to restrict the usage of any images you shoot to editorial ONLY. If you try to resell those images for posters, coffee cups or reprints you can and probably will get sued. In order to use sports or music related images in commercial work it requires a license that is VERY expensive, and you will be required to share your profit with whatever team is involved. Refuse to sign the contract? You will be asked to leave.

Your general credential issued by the paper can be used as ID at fires, car wrecks or other hard news events. But keep in mind that the Police, fire department and private security can refuse you access, even if you are recognized press...

BTW anyone can create their own press credential and it has about the same level of recognition...
I've only had to sign a waiver to shoot an Eagles concert, never a sporting event, as the back of the press pass for a sporting event has all that covered.

[John Photography]

The idea is that everyone in the US is afforded freedom of the press, so anyone (technically) can be a member of the press.
technically, but if that were the case.....i shouldn't have needed a special press pass for the Long Beach Grand Prix to access special areas strictly for the press photographers. :lol:

[LBaldwin]

technically, but if that were the case.....i shouldn't have needed a special press pass for the Long Beach Grand Prix to access special areas strictly for the press photographers. :lol:

Hi Macfly,
No, please read my post. Press is for NEWS. Races, sporting events, MLB, NBA, etc are not really news. They are and have been for quite some time, closed events. If it requires a ticket, it is not hard news like you would see at a crash, fire, speech etc. Many press events now issue their own credentials so that they can control to some extent the images or video shot.

Press events, government speechs, plane crashes, wild weather are hard news events no tickets sold to attend the event..

News stations, papers and now websites mix the two and report them all togeather as a package, and it is getting tougher for the general public to tell the difference, and the news reporting services do that on purpose.

[John Photography]

The idea is that everyone in the US is afforded freedom of the press, so anyone (technically) can be a member of the press.

Hi Macfly,
No, please read my post. Press is for NEWS. Races, sporting events, MLB, NBA, etc are not really news. They are and have been for quite some time, closed events. If it requires a ticket, it is not hard news like you would see at a crash, fire, speech etc. Many press events now issue their own credentials so that they can control to some extent the images or video shot.

Press events, government speechs, plane crashes, wild weather are hard news events no tickets sold to attend the event..

News stations, papers and now websites mix the two and report them all togeather as a package, and it is getting tougher for the general public to tell the difference, and the news reporting services do that on purpose.

i understood your original post, thank you. i were merely making a comment on your "freedom of the press" comment.

[SOT]

Different things require different access and different permissions.

Examples: Sporting events (big ones), normally require a secondary event pass. They may also issue a pool number or a location assignment. So if you are Joe Blow from The Podunk Informer you get very little access. If you are John McDonough of SI...you get all kinds of access.

Trials: Due to limited space, trial photogs generally need:
1. Permission from the court or court clerk (depends on the jurisdiction)
2. Will often get pooled. Meaning that since there is a limited number of slots shots have to be pooled and anyone shooting effectively agrees to give the other news agencies their shots. Now if you are shooting for a big agency v. a single paper they already ahve agreements in place for this kinda stuff.

3. Concerts and stage performances: Runs the gamut in terms of rules and requirements and passes. Some go so far as to say that the performer "owns" all the rights and copyright ANY pictures taken at the event. Those guys don't get a lot of press.

4. Political events: Depending on the event and who is the subject, clearance into the event can be pretty hard to very easy. Again there are often times limited spaces so a pool or a drawing might be held to assign slots. Some guys are totally on first come first served...but Obama for example has reserved slots for the big agencies...and then a rotating set of slots for smaller papers and news outlets. Political events also may require rigorous background checks prior to being admitted to a pool slot.

[SOT]

I absolutely disagree with the statement about all press credentials having the same "weight". Granted if you are talking about "home made" press credentials, yes those are about equal.
If you are talking about a AP/AFP/API/Reuters/Getty Staff Photog ID to gain access to an event v. a Podunk News Staff Photog ID , I can tell your for certain the former will get you places the latter will not 99% of the time.

[EveryMilesAMemory]

Every single event we go to is differnt for who they allow in.

Music events are weird allowing some bloggers in with Point and Shoots who might have a huge folowing on the web. Sports venues are pretty strict and usually only allow some names in, especially if they're Pro Sports. Local fairs and shows will usually allow any pres in if they are accredited and know they're going to get press out of your photos.

Every time we try to apply for press passed to an event, arena or show, the rules and regulations are different. 99% of the time, showing up at the door and showing the door man a press pass will get you no where.

Each event will have a seperate pass that you will need to get credentials for in advance and be put on a list.

Local papers will usually only get you into local events, that is unless the local paper is New York Times or something like that. And usually the editor is the one handling your press credentials, not you.

[DDCSD]

Why not ask the paper that issued the ID what it does for you?

[LBaldwin]

I absolutely disagree with the statement about all press credentials having the same "weight". Granted if you are talking about "home made" press credentials, yes those are about equal.
If you are talking about a AP/AFP/API/Reuters/Getty Staff Photog ID to gain access to an event v. a Podunk News Staff Photog ID , I can tell your for certain the former will get you places the latter will not 99% of the time.

Again I think it is situation dependant. For events with a PIO, big names will probably get recognized, but for the beat cop on perimeter even the mighty can get turned away. But the way it is supposed to be (as opposed to reality) is that all credentials get treated the same way...

I have an interesting question though... with news orgs and papers folding on a daily basis, those staffers are now becoming either unemployed or freelancers so... they are not going to have the luxury of a big name any longer to front. What happens then if they still want to work within their field?

They will resort to creating a PJ persona just like the rest of us...

If I start a licensed business and take pictures and supply them to news orgs as an independant, does that make a me less of a journalist? Those letters you used above USED to hold weight, but for many those days are numbered. Everybody cannot shoot for them regardless of talent.

Case in point the mighty Getty having been in serious financial straits for sometime.

Sorry for the sidebar, to a very real extent I am glad to see some of those letters take one to the chin. They were very arrogant for a lot of years.

[EveryMilesAMemory]

Hey Les, I think if you can keep contacts made while shooting for a big name, and still show the venue, band or gig that your photos will offer them some good press, then you'll probably be granted credentials.

We've been shooting freelance for years, and as long as we can show them past articles published, past images used in publications/papers, then we're usually granted access even though we arent using a big name that has 'Times' or 'Journal' behind the name

Only problem is with so many layoff's, the freelance market just got flooded with top name professionals

[ryant35]

I was a credentialed media photographer for an off-road race series that is now gone.

But back last year they got too many media requests so they started issuing 4 tiers of requests starting with tier 1 for track access to keep the newbies & those who have never shot off road racing away from the danger. Then tier 2 got you on a couple of lifts & platforms outside but above the fences. Tier 3 just got you in the media booth at the top of the grandstands, also above the fence but too far for good shots without a 500mm lens.

Then there was tier 4 which only got you in the gate without having to buy you a ticket. I only saw 1 guy get tier 4, he showed up with an New York Institute of Photography press pass :rolleyes: and after the $40 media licensing fee he got the same access as a $35 adult ticket. I don't even understand how he even got a pass in the first place, but it seems like it was a joke on him unless they just didn't notice. So he went back, got his $40 and gave back his tier 4 media pass & bought a ticket.

So just having a media pass doesn't guarantee anything sporting events or races. Now with the Long Beach Gran Prix you may be able to use that press pass to apply for media credentials a couple of months before the race, do it early because they get a lot of requests and fill up quickly. Also the application time closes a few weeks before the race. I missed it this year.

[JawsofLife252]

The idea is that everyone in the US is afforded freedom of the press, so anyone (technically) can be a member of the press.

That's the 'idea' but there is a huge difference. There are certain laws that protect members of the press. When you are a working member of the press, and have ID that proves you are on assignment for a publication, the police cannot just confiscate your equipment. They need probable cause like they do for every citizen, however when you are reporting news your equipment becomes a 'work product material.' Your equipment is then protected under: Federal Criminal Code 42 U.S.C. §2000aa (http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/cybercrime/42usc2000aa.htm)

Also, ID's issued by the State/Jurisdiction that you report in are normally approved from a governing body such as the State Police. Having one of these ID's normally helps you out when going to an emergency scene or other hard news type of story because the police officer watching the line will recognize and not question that ID faster than one you make yourself. I do this everyday and I only ever have problems with my non-state issued ID.

To stay on topic, to the OP:

What you are issued from the state or your publication is a press ID, not a press credential. Credentials/Passes are issued by the organization you cover. For example, normally I request a credential for Phillies games through their PR office and I show my press ID when I get there to pick up my credential. Press ID's only identify you. They do not guarantee you any access, they afford you a courtesy to attain credentials and passes.

[LBaldwin]

Ok question in what situation is it OK for the police to confiscate your gear if you are NOT a ID'd or credentialed member of the "media". Answer - NONE. Theft by force uner the color of authority is still just as illegal as if it were done by a common street thug.

The images any photographer takes are still the property of the photographer NOT the government. We just had a horrible shooting here in the Bay Area where a BART police officer shot and killed a man that was handcuffed and laying on his belly, no threat to anyone. There were dozens of cell videos and even stationary cameras that caught the incident. The policed tried very hard to squelch those videos, and even took some from private owners. But they did not get them all...

Actually there are very few jurisdictions in the US that issues press credentials. If the government is issuing credentials to a select few, then they have some say over who actually becomes the press. So to me other than high security areas like the white house or other potential targets, the government needs to stay out of that business all togeather.

[JawsofLife252]

Ok question in what situation is it OK for the police to confiscate your gear if you are NOT a ID'd or credentialed member of the "media". Answer - NONE. Theft by force uner the color of authority is still just as illegal as if it were done by a common street thug.

The images any photographer takes are still the property of the photographer NOT the government. We just had a horrible shooting here in the Bay Area where a BART police officer shot and killed a man that was handcuffed and laying on his belly, no threat to anyone. There were dozens of cell videos and even stationary cameras that caught the incident. The policed tried very hard to squelch those videos, and even took some from private owners. But they did not get them all...

Actually there are very few jurisdictions in the US that issues press credentials. If the government is issuing credentials to a select few, then they have some say over who actually becomes the press. So to me other than high security areas like the white house or other potential targets, the government needs to stay out of that business all togeather.


Whoa. lol.

**Edit to clarify**

The police can only take your images in two ways. Obtaining a court order, or if you have committed a crime. The level of crime committed can be argued.

Yes, they can seize your memory card for evidence if you photograph a crime scene and are not identified as working press and they arrest you. They are not committing theft by force if they are claiming images for evidence--you will eventually get your gear back. Law enforcement officer's have the right arrest you as a citizen the same as they can arrest a member of the press. The difference is that they cannot seize the working products of a member of the press. As a citizen, your film or memory cards can be filed as evidence. Try and get around that one, I've seen it done--google it buddy.

Calm down about the government intervention. As for what you said about the few jurisdictions in the US that issue press ID's, pretty much every state has a press association. Including yours: http://www.cnpa.com/ The application for ID's comes through them and some of them, such as New Jersey, issue ID's in collaboration with the State Police. The State Police do not say who and who is not press. They work in collaboration with the press associations to correctly identify people that are working press from the people who aren't working press. Basically all they do is put their seal of approval on the ID somewhere, they don't do a background check or anything. If you work for a publication that fits the requirements of a media outlet, then you get ID. The application process is only to weed out people that apply who aren't actually press.

If you'd like to see what a real press ID looks like, I can show you. I have a bunch that have stacked up from year to year. :p

[SOT]

I do think the "ad hock" freelancers do now, and will always get less of a break. I would assert that there will always be a "getty or AP or AFP" or some organization that is an image/news service company. That as people get cut from small locals and even larger locals or regional companies they may start their own companies but as for "slots" the big companies (whatever their names may be) will always exist and it will be a toss up for the smaller papers and freelancers.

I don't ever think it is supposed to be "all credentials get treated the same", in fact I think that would be the "worst" thing for most press issues.
You could argue a "free press" and that would be all well and fine but not everyone comprehends the responsibility of a free press. Bias is a HUGE problem...even now...imagine it with just random writers with no concept of fact checking or journalistic responsibility?



Again I think it is situation dependant. For events with a PIO, big names will probably get recognized, but for the beat cop on perimeter even the mighty can get turned away. But the way it is supposed to be (as opposed to reality) is that all credentials get treated the same way...

I have an interesting question though... with news orgs and papers folding on a daily basis, those staffers are now becoming either unemployed or freelancers so... they are not going to have the luxury of a big name any longer to front. What happens then if they still want to work within their field?

They will resort to creating a PJ persona just like the rest of us...

If I start a licensed business and take pictures and supply them to news orgs as an independant, does that make a me less of a journalist? Those letters you used above USED to hold weight, but for many those days are numbered. Everybody cannot shoot for them regardless of talent.

Case in point the mighty Getty having been in serious financial straits for sometime.

Sorry for the sidebar, to a very real extent I am glad to see some of those letters take one to the chin. They were very arrogant for a lot of years.

[LBaldwin]

I do think the "ad hock" freelancers do now, and will always get less of a break. I would assert that there will always be a "getty or AP or AFP" or some organization that is an image/news service company. That as people get cut from small locals and even larger locals or regional companies they may start their own companies but as for "slots" the big companies (whatever their names may be) will always exist and it will be a toss up for the smaller papers and freelancers.

I don't ever think it is supposed to be "all credentials get treated the same", in fact I think that would be the "worst" thing for most press issues.
You could argue a "free press" and that would be all well and fine but not everyone comprehends the responsibility of a free press. Bias is a HUGE problem...even now...imagine it with just random writers with no concept of fact checking or journalistic responsibility?

No argument at all, but the conglomerates take over and control the flow of in fo, so the "news" is what they say it is. I think the more sources the better we have an understanding of what happens.

But it is not just small papers going out, in fact many of the smaller papers are doing well here in CA. But the large city papers are falling off the cliff. All your awards in a box along with your coffee cup, stapler and now you are a freelancer. But fact checking? Never happens lol..

cheers,