How do you get a press pass?

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In their daily work, employed and freelance journalists often rely on the help of authorities, Organizations or security forces instructed to obtain the information processed into a post can be. A press card can be an important door opener. Anyone who can prove a full-time job in the media sector receives the document.

The press card is an important work tool.
The press card is an important work tool.

What you need:

  • Application form
  • Passport photo
  • Copy of ID
  • Proof of journalistic activity

Will everyone get the document?

There are different types of press cards. There are no legal regulations. If you want to apply for a journalist pass yourself, you should contact the relevant associations.

  • Everyone who works in an editorial office, at a radio station or who regularly delivers sound or image material to clients receives a press pass. Contact one of the four major media associations: "Deutscher Journalisten-Verband" (DJV), "Bundesverband Deutscher Newspaper publishers "(BDZV)," Deutsche Journalistinnen- und Journalisten-Union "(dju) or the" Verband Deutscher Magazine publisher "(VDZ). These four institutions require proof of full-time employment, so the press card is recognized and accepted nationwide.
  • In addition, you will also receive an ID from your employer, which identifies you as a member of the editorial team. As a volunteer, employee of a school newspaper, online editor or press spokesman, you also have the opportunity to apply for the passport. In addition, there are now numerous providers who also sell press cards to non-journalists. However, whether you can do much with this one is questionable.
  • In order to be able to work as a journalist, you need the ID. Without it, you will not be allowed to attend events, Bundestag meetings or press conferences. In addition to professional relief, you can also enjoy financial benefits and discounts. Journalists are usually allowed to attend consumer fairs free of charge, and they also receive discounted prices for museums or other events.
  • If you work for large print or TV media, the ID is often just a formality. Before you can take part in press events, you have to register in order to get admission. This ensures that only trained journalists have access.
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Apply for the press card

  • If you are already a member of a recognized media association, the application is easy and free of charge. Since you already had to provide proof of membership, all you have to do now is fill out the form. You can download this from the association's website; you can also obtain the forms from the respective offices.
  • If you are not a member, you need proof that you are a full-time journalist. Whether you are employed or as a freelancer work doesn't matter. You will also need a passport photo and a copy of your ID.
  • You can provide evidence in various ways. Include an editorial or volunteer contract, ask the client or employer for written confirmation, too a certificate from the tax office and proof that you are insured with the artists' social insurance fund are important Proof. In addition, you must provide evidence of publications in which your name is mentioned. It is better to include too many than too few proofs with the application, because not everyone receives an identity card from the well-known associations.
  • If you work a lot abroad, you should also apply for an international press card. This is a passport-like document that is written in several languages. You can apply for this at the German Press Association (DPV), for example.

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