With the advent of the internet, independent journalism and reporting have naturally surged. Today, countless independent journalists and bloggers command respect, approaching news with the same diligence as any mainstream media institution. As one of the prominent producers of ID cards and press passes in the U.S., we frequently get questions from independent journalists and bloggers interested in one-off press passes. (We might call ourselves “the” top producer in the U.S., but of course, we’re partial!) With our press passes and Media ID cards page undergoing an update, it seemed fitting to take a moment to answer this very question.
Your Rights as an Independent Journalist
Before diving into details about credentials, IDs, and passes, it’s essential to understand the protections of the First Amendment. If you aren’t covered by it as an individual journalist, photographer, or blogger, why would you need a press pass in the first place?
Fortunately, there’s good news. Independent reporters are, indeed, protected by freedom of the press. In 1974, the Supreme Court ruled that freedom of the press applies equally to individuals and institutions (Gertz v. Robert Welch, Inc.). Then, in 2011, this protection was formally extended to bloggers as well (Obsidian Finance Group, LLC v. Cox).
This ruling might suggest you can simply make your independent press pass and start reporting on the front lines. However, we advise against this.
The Importance of Credibility
As ID card experts, we fully understand the significance of Issuing Authority. For instance, we don’t print Police or Fire ID cards without first verifying that the request comes from a genuine member of the police or fire department.
It’s all too easy to mix up the authority of the issuing body with the authority of the ID card itself. A piece of plastic doesn’t inherently hold credibility, regardless of how professional it looks. Authenticity and authority are granted by the issuer. An ID badge is merely a visual marker of this authority, one that usually needs verification beyond the badge alone. In fact, verification is often necessary.
Credibility from Journalistic Institutions
Naturally, if you work for a newspaper or television network, your ID card gains credibility through the institution’s standing, readership, or viewership. If you’re using a pass to access an event or restricted location, the institution’s presence, rather than the ID card alone, holds value.
Though this may seem obvious, if you’re considering making your own pass, it’s likely you haven’t fully weighed the element of credibility it may (or may not) convey. In essence, an ID card is a symbol of credibility, not a creator of it—a distinction that isn’t always immediately clear.
Credibility from Other Issuing Organizations
This distinction is why several organizations offer memberships for independent journalists, bloggers, and similar professionals. When you join an organization with a strong reputation for member verification, the pass they provide shows that you’re not just someone seeking event access. Instead, a trusted third party is vouching for you, as in the case of using a driver’s license to verify age for alcohol purchases. For example, in Pennsylvania, the state confirms you’re of legal age.
Our Advice
Assuming you recognize that forging another organization’s ID is illegal (which is essentially stealing their credibility), you are within your rights to create an independent Press Pass or ID card that reflects your role as an independent journalist. However, since anyone can technically create their own ID, such a pass generally carries little weight or authority. This is why we recommend finding a reputable, independent issuing authority.
If joining a particular organization is as simple as paying a fee, chances are that their passes won’t hold much authority. Do some research. Look for an organization that aligns with your values, that carefully vets members, and has earned enough credibility to make wearing its pass worthwhile.
