How do I get a press pass?

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Journalist is not a legally protected job title - anyone can actually call themselves a journalist. The press card, however, makes the profession more exclusive. In short: the press card turns journalists into journalists. Freelance authors can also get the coveted ID.

A ticket for journalists: the press card
A ticket for journalists: the press card

What you need:

  • Proof of fees for print, radio, television or online
  • published work samples
  • a full-time activity as a freelance author / journalist is mandatory
  • Media association membership is an asset

Where can you get a press pass from

  • First things first: only six journalists' associations are allowed to issue the nationwide press card. Currently it is the German Association of Journalists (DJV), the German Union of Journalists (dju in ver.di) and the Federal Association German newspaper publisher (BDZV), the Association of German Magazine Publishers (VDZ) as well as Freelens and the Association of German Sports Journalists (VDS) (Last updated 2012).
  • Applications can be found on the associations' websites. As a rule, association members receive the press card free of charge with a validity of one year. After the validity has expired, freelance authors must reapply for a press card. To do this, they must have income or Show proof of fees for the last six months and thus prove that you are a full-time writer.
  • So if you are a freelance writer in the journalistic field and you also work full-time, nothing stands in the way of a successful application to one of the exhibiting media associations. Find your association on the internet and fill that out Application form the end. In addition, non-members can also apply for a press card, but this is not cheap.

What use is the press card?

  • The press card gives the holder access to institutions, makes research much easier and creates trust between journalist and authority. The authorities who have to work with journalists also benefit, as they do not have to check every journalist to see whether they are actually professional. Therefore, the press card is only reserved for full-time active journalists. By the way, you can submit work samples in the print area.
  • Beware of counterfeits. In some cases, very dubious offers for the issuance of press cards are circulating on the Internet in particular. But you shouldn't get into that, as authorities and inspectors can easily distinguish original from plagiarism. In addition to an embarrassing rejection, this can also result in criminal penalties.
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  • In addition to permanent and freelance journalists, students and volunteers can also, under certain conditions and employees at press offices receive a press card, provided they demonstrate the need can.

The press card is a particularly helpful tool for journalists and authors. That is why the application is also meticulously checked to determine whether you are actually a full-time journalist or author - regardless of whether you are permanent, free or in training.

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