First Time Applicants

Media accreditation is strictly reserved for members of the press - print, photo, radio, TV, film, news agencies and online media - who represent a bona fide media organization (*see below). Accreditation will be granted upon presentation of valid press credentials including:

1. Completed online accreditation form
2. Letter of assignment on official letterhead of a media organization signed by the Publisher/Assignment Editor, Editor-in-chief or Bureau Chief, specifying the name and functional title of the journalist.  Unsigned letters or e-mails will not be accepted. The letter should be addressed to Mr. Gary Fowlie, Chief, Media Accreditation and Liaison Unit, United Nations Department of Public Information. The letter can be submitted by fax to 1-212-963-4642 or as a scanned document in jpeg or PDF format to malu@un.org.
3. Photocopy of a valid press card/work pass
4. Photocopy of passport/national ID card

Independent broadcast or film production companies are required to provide a letter from a broadcast organization or film distributor which has committed to air or distribute the work or from the UN partner organization that supports the production.

Print media representatives may be required to submit two bylined articles within the past four months and a copy of the publication.

Radio and TV media representatives may be asked to submit two recordings of reports within the past four months.

Photographers are required to submit original tear sheets or photos with credits of the issuing organization.

Online media must meet the following requirements, in addition to those above:

• The web publication must belong to a registered company, such as a media organization, and have a specific, verifiable non-web address and a telephone number.
• The online journal requesting accreditation for its correspondent must have a substantial amount of original news content or commentary or analysis on international issues.
• If the web site is new, the applicant seeking accreditation must provide the latest data on the site's visitors or other relevant material (press citations, etc.) about the outlet's audience. The applicant must have an established record of having written extensively on international issues and must present copies of three recently published articles with his/her byline.
  Note that online publications which are communications outreach or advocacy publications of non-governmental or non-profit organizations do not qualify for media accreditation.

Freelance Journalists: Freelance journalists can only obtain accreditation for a specific event or time period. Freelance journalists, including photographers, must provide clear evidence they are on assignment from a specific news organization or publication. A valid assignment letter from that news organization, or publication, is required.

Double Accreditation: It should be noted that no double accreditation is allowed (e.g. as press and delegate, or as press and NGO).

Status of Application: Please check your e-mail for messages informing you of the status of your application. You can also check the status of your application online, in the personal Accreditation Account that you created when you registered online. If there are any problems with your application, you will be called. If you do not receive an email or a call within 30-days of your application, contact the MALU office: 1 (212) 963-6934 or 1 (212) 963-7164.

Renewing Applicants
Each journalists seeking renewal accreditation must submit a signed assignment letter and renew the online application form. In addition, the following may be required:

• Print media representatives may be asked to submit three bylined articles within the past four months from the organization to which they are accredited. Exemptions may be made for weekly and monthly magazine publications.
• Radio and TV media representatives may be asked to submit recordings of three reports within the past four months from the organization to which they are accredited
• .Photographers may be required to submit three photos with credits of the issuing organization.
• Online media representatives may be asked to submit three bylined articles or recordings articles within the past four months from the organization to which they are accredited.
  
  If you registered online before and have a personal accreditation account, log in to your personal accreditation account and click on “Renewal” in order to renew an existing accreditation (permanent accreditations and resident correspondents only).

Picking Up the Media Press Pass

Once you receive an e-mail confirming that your request for accreditation has been approved, you can obtain your media press pass at the following location:

Media Accreditation Pass and ID Office in the UNITAR Building U-100
corner of 45th Street and First Avenue
Office hours: 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Telephone: (212) 963-7164

When picking up your media press pass, you must present the letter of assignment, two forms of valid ID and proof of media affiliation, if applicable, as specified below. Valid ID must include a current passport from a State recognized by the United Nations General Assembly, along with a press card, work ID, driver's license or other form of photo ID. Non-nationals of the host government must also confirm their right to work as a journalist by providing a relevant visa or an employment authorization document.

*Note on bona fide media organization
The Department of Public Information must be satisfied that the individuals applying for accreditation are bona fide media professionals and represent bona fide media organizations [formally registered as a media organization in a country recognized by the United Nations General Assembly]. Accreditation will only be given on proof of a track record of reporting for media organizations on international affairs. Media accreditation is not accorded to the information outlets of non-governmental organizations. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decisions of the Department of Public Information are final. The Department of Public Information reserves the right to deny or withdraw accreditation of journalists from media organizations whose activities run counter to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, or who abuse the privileges so extended or put the accreditation to improper use or act in a way not consistent with the principles of the Organization.