The CIoJ is one of the original gatekeepers for the National Press Card (NPC), which is issued to its Full and Trainee members. Overseas members are issued a specially-designed international press card.
National Press Card
It is only issued to professionals directly involved in newsgathering
They include journalists, photographers, TV cameramen, sound recordists and people who directly support them such as dispatch riders, engineers, and broadcast vehicle drivers.
Foreign journalists based in the UK are also eligible.
Nationally Recognised
The card is the UK’s only national Press card recognised by all sections of the media and by the police service.
The card is issued by any one of 16 Gatekeepers. The copyright in the design of the card is owned by the UK Press Card Authority. The only variation in the cards design is the card issuers logo, which is carried on the top right-hand corner of the card.
Newsgatherers do not have to carry the card. You may need to use alternative means of identifying the person.
The definition of eligibility is that a card carrier must be working “professionally as a media worker who needs to identify himself or herself in public.” The principal occupations covered are reporters and writers, photographers, film and video camera operators and crews and other broadcasting workers such as producers, researchers etc.
Become a Member
Members get a National Press Card, Representation & Access to Advice
International Press Card
We issue a specially-designed international press card to our overseas members.
The card incorporates important security features such as holographic foil blocking, signature strip and laminated card holder photo and details, which gives better and improved protection not only to journalists but also to those checking the credentials of reporters in emergencies. These measures not only make the card more secure, but also make it more difficult to forge. Anyone scrutinising the card for authenticity will immediately be able to notice signs of tampering.
In a further unique feature, the new Institute card comes with multi-language inserts that can be changed to cater for different destinations.
Details of the card have been forwarded to embassies and major international organisations who request press credentials before allowing reporters or media people access to events or press briefings.
Become a Member
Members get a Press Card, Representation & Access to Advice
The UK Press Card Authority
The UK Press Card Authority was established to oversee the NPC scheme. It comprises of national organisations which represent journalists and other media personnel (employed or freelance) whose work involves gathering material for editorial publication in all media — print, broadcast and electronic. The gatekeepers issue cards to their members or to those they represent and are responsible for ensuring that the conditions are adhered to.
There is a Gatekeepers’ Committee which oversees the operation of the scheme, but does not itself issue cards. The committee can direct applicants to the appropriate gatekeeper if there is uncertainty. The gatekeepers are employers’ associations, trade unions and professional associations, covering all UK media. From time to time further organisations are admitted to the scheme, if the newsgatherers they represent cannot acquire cards through any other channel. The gatekeepers are employers’ associations, trade unions and professional associations, covering all UK media. From time to time further organisations are admitted to the scheme, if the newsgatherers they represent cannot acquire cards through any other channel.