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Media Accreditation and Liaison Unit
   

   

ACCREDITATION APPLICATION FORM
   
       

Accreditation Requirements

All journalists applying for accreditation must submit proof that they represent a bona fide media organization* (see below), as follows:
  • Letter of assignment on official letterhead of a media organization from the Publisher/Assignment Editor or Bureau Chief, addressed to Mr. Gary Fowlie, Chief, Media Accreditation and Liaison Unit. It should specify the name and functional title of the applicant and the period for which accreditation is sought at the United Nations.

  • In addition, you may be asked to submit the two most recent issues of your publication (print media), recordings of two recent reports (radio and TV media), a letter from a broadcast organization which intends to air your work (independent TV production companies), original tear sheets and photos with credits of the issuing organization (photographers), or three recently published articles with your byline (online media). Please be prepared to provide the required materials to the Media Accreditation and Liaison Unit in advance of picking up your credentials.

Online media must meet the following requirements:

  • 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.
    A substantive amount of original media will be determined to include: news -oriented video, audio and/or written material; content that is refreshed regularly and entirely at least every month, rather than a simple update of pages in the manner of a corporate website.

    An archival search and retrieval mechanism, which clearly indicates the date of original publication on the website, is required in order to demonstrate the on-line publications fulfillment of this requirement.
  • 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.
Production companies seeking accreditation to film/tape documentaries must provide a letter from a broadcast entity confirming their intent to broadcast the production.

Accreditation Process 

1.a. If you have not already done so, register online by submitting the online Accreditation Form, thereby creating your personal Accreditation Account. Upon successful submission of the form, an e-mail confirmation is sent to your e-mail address.

1.b. If you registered online before and have a personal accreditation account, log in to your personal accreditation account and see “Renewal” in order to renew an existing accreditation (permanent accreditations and resident correspondents only).

2. Forward the letter of assignment, addressed to Mr. Gary Fowlie, Chief, Media Accreditation and Liaison Unit, United Nations Department of Public Information, by fax to 1-212-963-4642 or as a scanned document in jpeg or PDF format to malu@un.org.

3. 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.

4. 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
located in the UNITAR Building 807 United Nations Plaza
Room U-100 (corner of 45th St. & 1st Ave.)
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 above. 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 or established journalism ethics and standards.


Media clearance for the use of Press Island (between 45th & 46th St. on the east side of 1st Avenue) is done through the City of New York. See below:

NY Deputy Commissioner's Office
Department of Public Information
Tel. No. 646-610-6700


 
 
 

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