Media Accreditation Requirements for First Time Applicant
Media accreditation is strictly reserved for members of the press (print, photo, radio, television, film, news agencies and online media) who represent a bona fide media organization (See footnote #1 at the bottom).
FOR FIRST TIME APPLICANT ONLY -- If you have received accreditation in the past, click here.
Please provide:
- Letter requesting U.N. accreditation of media personnel on official letterhead of a media organization, signed by the Publisher, Editor-in-chief, or Assignment Editor (along with their contact information). It should be recent, and include the duration of the assignment and reach of the media (print circulation, radio/television audience and/or statistical number of hits for website entities). If several people from the same company need an accreditation, please have all the names in one letter.
- Please address the letter to the Media Accreditation Unit and send it either via fax (212-963-4642) or via email, once signed and scanned (PDF format), to malu@un.org.
- First time applicants must create an online account (If you received accreditation in the past, renew your account here).
Please note that there are different types of accreditation. For more information, click here.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
When applying, for the first time:
Independent broadcast or film production companies must provide a letter from a broadcast organization or film distributor which has committed to air or distribute the work. The project should be UN related.
Print media must submit two by-lined articles published within the past month and a copy of the publication.
Radio and TV media must submit two recordings of reports broadcast within the past month.
Photographers must submit original tear sheets or photos with credits of the issuing organization.
Online media (Subject to all other criteria, online media may include news outlets, blogs, vlogs and others) must meet the following requirements, in addition to those above:
- The website must belong to a recognized media organization and have a specific, verifiable street address and a telephone number.
- The website must have at least 60% original news content or commentary or analysis, including coverage of international or U.N. related issues.
- Media representatives are required to submit two by-lined articles within the past month that were posted on the website.
- The website must be updated at a minimum of three times a week.
- 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, including photographers, must provide clear documentation that 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 is not permitted (press + delegate, press + NGO)
Please do not fax or email copies of your passport, green card, visa or other personal information.
APPLICATION STATUS
Every effort will be made to issue the accreditation as soon as possible, but we ask for at least 24 hour notice.
Delays could occur:
- If the request does not have the required documents (letter and online form)
- if documents are not provided in working languages of the U.N. (English & French)
- if it is a high level meeting such as the general debate in September.
Once the request was approved, a confirmation will be sent to the email on file in the online account. You need to come in person to collect your media pass -- follow instructions here.
If you have not heard from us within one working week of the submission of your assignment letter, you should contact our offices: (212) 963-6934.
Credentials are initially given for a period of four months, followed by application for annual renewal. Lapses in accreditation of more than 60 days will be treated as new applications.
In accepting a U.N. Media ID Card you are agreeing to the terms of the United Nations Media Guidelines.
(1) Note on bona fide media organization:
The Department of Public Information (DPI) 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 DPI 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.
(2) Privacy policy
Required information provided to MALU is used solely for accreditation and statistical purposes and will not be published for general access. The United Nations, however, assumes no responsibility for the security of this information.