Why dont some of us get " Press " Credentials and start grilling ??

[son of the revolution]

With the proliferation of news and commentary web sites and blogs ; why dont some of us get Press credentials and start showing up at these press conferences where Mayor Nutty and Fast Eddie and all the rest start shoveling the BS about guns and start calling them on it with some tough questions in public and in front of the rest of the media ??

There's always the risk of getting barred from press conferences I suppose , especially if you embarrass a politician publicly . But frankly I dont give a damn , I think its time for a scorched earth policy and the old " If you cant beat 'em , join 'em " saying seems to fit this situation perfectly .

Even if you dont get an answer , you got the question on the record and the politicians squirming avoidance . Matt Drudge started out as a literal nobody that broke the " blue dress " during the Lewinsky scandal . Whos to say one or more of us might not be able to start turning the tide , even just a bit ?
Hell, I want to do it just to make them squirm !

[original gunner]

You have a great idea!

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How To Get and Use Press Credentials

By Cindy Pierson Dulay, About.com
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A great way to get extra traffic to your website is to cover major events in person. Rather than sitting in the stands like a fan, try to get press credentials so you can have access to great photos and inside info.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: variable could take weeks
Here's How:

1. Pick the event you want to cover. Start out with something relatively easy to get your foot in the door then move up to really big events. Travel to and lodging at these events can get expensive so budget for it.
2. Find out the procedure required for getting credentials. This will probably mean calling the venue although some places put media info on their websites now.
3. Start the request process. Generally you will have to get your editor to request credentials on company letterhead and you may have to fill out a form or meet insurance requirements. If you are the editor, then you will need to make letterhead and do this yourself.
4. If liability insurance is required (i.e. the Kentucky Derby requires you to have $1 million in liability insurance to cover the races from the track), you will probably have to purchase this on your own. If you associated with a company, they may already have it so check there first.
5. Follow up with the venue until you get the OK. Some big events will be reluctant to credential a website so you may have to do some convincing. This is one reason why you should start small, you need a portfolio of live coverage to show them you are legitimate media.
6. Don't be surprised if you have to submit paperwork more than once. Losing your paperwork is one way to discourage too many people from coming. Be persistent.
7. Once you get the credential, read the instructions carefully for any policy info or rules of behavior. Some places will have a dress code and will specify exactly where you can go. If you have any questions, be sure to ask their media relations person when you arrive but don't call them in advance.
8. At the event, always wear your badge. Security will be looking for it and it will likely be coded in some manner to say what kind of access you have.
9. There will be a press box or center that you may or may not get access too. Generally I don't get access since I am not filing on a strict deadline. It may help you get credentials if you specify you don't require a space in the press box as it can be quite crowded for big events.
10. If you are taking photos, follow the rules they gave you carefully. Don't get in front of TV cameras or the other photographers and block their shots. This is their bread and butter so be curteous, especially if this is just a sideline for you.
11. Have a decent camera to take, digital preferably, that has settings to take nice action shots. For heaven's sake don't show up with a disposable camera and be sure to practice before hand if you are using a digital as some can be tricky with quick action shots.
12. You could get free box lunches or hot food, media guides, or even shirts, hats or other merchandise. Don't be greedy about this if you are a newbie but accept gratefully if it is offered. Eventually you will get on the 'A' list for the freebies but never act like you expect them. Do be sure to request a media guide if you aren't given one automatically as they are VERY useful.
13. Be sure to introduce yourself to as many people as possible, especially the media relations people for the event. You want them to remember your name and site for next year and to have a good impression of you. Give out lots of your business cards and network with other press people.
14. Usually there will be a press conference with the winning person/team. Go to these to get quotes and/or photos for your article. Even if you don't ask something yourself, you can write down comments to the other reporters' questions.
15. Post your story in a timely fashion, preferably the night of the event. It helps to have the basics of the story ready before hand and then just plug in the details, commentary, and photos afterward.

Tips:

1. Don't be nervous. Websites are legitimate media even if some events don't recognize that yet. Act like you should be there and not like a fan.
2. Practice taking action pictures as you won't get a second chance for most shots at the event.
3. Keep your eyes open as you never know when something worthy of a photo will happen. Don't miss that once in a lifetime shot by being inattentive.

[son of the revolution]

NO ONE else is interested in the relatively easy steps to get Press Credentials and enjoy the priveledge of twisting our elected idiots publicly when they spout off nonsense about firearms ?!??!??

[MrsMtnJack]

sounds interesting. i didn't know it was easy. I thought you had to be a "bonafide reporter"... duh...
maybe something to look into and consider. are the press passes per event/location then?
Seems like a way to really asure acurate reporting.

[son of the revolution]

Like I said , there are so many news and blog sites on the net these days , its relatively easy to get " Press Credentials " . I found one site where its something like 45.00 or 60.00 to get professional Press Credentials , and your basically a " freelance " writer for them . Not to the extent that you have an actual job though . Probably one article a month would be enough , if that .

From my limited knowledge , its my understanding that yes , the press " passes " are issued on a by event basis , but I could be wrong . Im sure jpcanavello ?? ( the member that a photog for the York paper ) or someone else can shed more light . I know there are a couple other people here that have said in the past they were reporters of some type .


As I pointed out , it seems like a relatively simple way to really put the screws to the politico's in public and force them to answer questions they'd rather not . Or get their refusal to answer on the record . Either way their bound to squirm , and thats a worthy goal .

[jpavoncello]

I run into people on a regular basis that print out their own Press credentials on the computer at home. Usually it's for sporting events or concerts and such. Just take a look at the sideline at a Penn State football game, about half the people with Press passes don't belong there.
Anyone here could do the same, start up your own blog or internet news site and make yourself a Press ID. I've done up a card identifying myself and my gun blog for attending events like the Second to None Rally. But please, do not misidentify yourself, saying that you're with the York Dispatch or Fox 43.
It's up to the press agent, security, or the public information officer to decide whether you're a legitimate news source. There are no state or federal guidelines that I'm aware of.
I'd suggest some common sense before attempting something like this and offer this advice. If you're going to do this just to cause a scene, stay home. If a line of questioning is what they consider off-base, they will just ignore you. Believe me, Nutter and career politicians like him know how to blow off questions that they don't want to answer.
Another thing to consider is the liability issue. If you are representing yourself as a news gathering source, you may be liable for not only slander but if your actions during the news event cause others harm in any way, you could be sued. I never use my Dispatch issued credentials for anything not work related (no I don't flash my press card to get into events free) because if I was involved in any type of incident, I would be immediately terminated.

[son of the revolution]

Thanks for the " insiders' perspective . I agree 100% with your comments about not trying to cause a scene or mispresenting ones affiliation OR lack of with any established news source . That being said , its no big secret that we are and have been repeatedly screwed by the MSM that refuse to ask the tough questions or call BS on 2A related issues .


I think its time we follow the " if you cant beat 'em , join 'em philosophy ; and start at least trying to put the spot light on these officials . At the very least we might make some contacts/inroads , if even on the fringes ,with other reporters and spark the seed of a question in their mind about the veracity of what they put out as news .