Media Accreditation Requirements
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.1
Both first-time and returning / renewing applicants* for U.N. Media Accreditation will be considered upon presentation of the following requirements:
- Letter of Assignment : An official correspondence by the requesting media organization indicating the desired accreditation authorization for their assigned representative(s) on an official letterhead of a media organization, signed by an authorizing officer such as the Publisher, Editor-in-chief, Assignment Editor, etc who can be reached for contact. The correspondence should indicating the name and duration of the assignment of the journalist. References to the focus of the media organization as well as its print circulation, radio/television audience and/or statistical number of hits for website entities.
The correspondence should be addressed to the current Chief of the Media Accreditation and Liaison Unit, currently being Ms. Isabelle Broyer and may be submitted either by facsimile to (212) 963-4642 or via email it in a scanned PDF format to malu@un.org.
- Online Account registration, maintenance & resubmition on renewals for returning applicants:
- First-time applicants must individually register an online account2 (bottom of page) - a one-time registration whose information is to be maintained and resubmitted for any and all subsequent renewals.
- Returning / Renewing applicants are required to edit their existing account profile to maintain their data with current / up-to-date information and, when applicable, submit their account for renewal status as well as attend to the specific additional requirements as listed for them. If this is you, visit the Renewal page for instructions and to login .
Supporting materials for reveiew & verification
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. The project should be UN related.
Print media representatives are required to submit two by-lined articles published within the past month and a copy of the publication.
Radio and TV media representatives are required to submit two recordings of reports broadcast within the past month.
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 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 UN 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 twice a week.
Online publications which are communications outreach or advocacy publications of non-governmental or non-profit organizations do not qualify for media accreditation.
* Subject to all other criteria, online media may include news outlets, blogs, vlogs and others.
Freelance Journalists: Freelance journalists will be granted accreditation for a specific event or time period. 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.
Multiple Accreditations:
There is no allowance for anyone to hold more than one accreditation (ie. as press + delegate, press + NGO). All card holders are subject to function within the specific capacity they are at attendance at the United Nations and will not be permitted a multiple represnetation in any manner. If you are attending as a representative of the Media, you are limited to that representation and the functions of your criterion. If an applicant holds another form of accreditation for which they have been issued a grounds pass, they must surrender one for the other but will never be granted permission to hold or function in any multiple capacity at any time.
Application Status:
- Every effort will be made to issue the accreditation as soon as possible, but it could take as much as 7 to 10 daysin certain cases. Material not provided in working languages of the U.N., English & French, may delay the progress of any requests.
- Status information is logged onto each applicant's online account which may be logged into at any time. Returening / Renewing applicants are required to edit their profile information as well as submit their account for renewal status in tandum with a new assignment letter requesting the new accreditation.
- For a ny concerns related with your application or online account, rest assured you will be contacted by our offices via the information registered on the applicant's online account. This makes the information on each account most important to be correct and current.
- Most requests are managed within a few days or less throughout most of the year. Special events & conferences such as with the annual General Assembly General Debate in September will present us with a far different amount of traffic. Attend to our website's notifications and adhere to the rules of procedure for best results - and carefully mind all registration deadlines which may be listed. 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 or (212) 963-7164.
- High traffic times where submissions are abundant can result in transmission difficulties with email and facsimiles. If approaching a registration deadline, please attempt your best reasonable efforts in having our offices receive your requests. Clear evidence of transmission verifications and histories to the specific materials will facilitate our ability to attend to your submission claims. Falsifications will be immediately discarded and not entertained.
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(1) 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.
(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.
Types of Accreditation • Access Guidelines • Collection of ID Card • Renewal Account Login