Media Credentialing Requirements

MEDIA CREDENTIAL APPLICATION PERIOD HAS EXPIRED
We are no longer accepting applications for media credentials.

Members of the Florida Association of Broadcasters or Florida Press Association

Completed media credential application form

Media Organizations That Are Not Members of the Above Associations

Completed non-member media credential application form that includes the following two attachments:
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 will not be accepted. The letter should be addressed to Media Credentials, 2022 Debates.
Photocopy of a valid press card/work pass
Proof of previous work: If the media organization is not a member of the Florida Press Association or Florida Association of Broadcasters 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 may be required to submit original tear sheets or photos with credits of the issuing organization. (Note: only two pool photographers will be permitted inside the actual debates.)

Online Media

Completed online media credential application form that includes the following attachment:
Photocopy of a valid press card/work pass
In addition, online media organizations 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 credentials for its correspondent must have a substantial amount of original news content or commentary on Florida political and campaign issues.
If the web site is new, the applicant seeking credentials 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 Florida campaign and political 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 do not qualify for media credentials.

Freelance Journalists

Completed freelance credential application form that includes the following attachment:
A valid assignment letter from a news organization, or publication, that provides clear evidence they are on assignment from that specific news organization or publication.

Students

Completed student credential application form that includes the following attachment:
A valid assignment letter from the college or university, complete with contact information of the assigning professor, that provides clear evidence they are on assignment from that specific college or university.

Media credentials are reserved for members of the press – including, print, radio, TV, film, news agencies and online media – who represent a bona fide media organization. The media who will be covering the debate will watch the debate in real time in an adjacent space that will have a live feed displayed on monitors. Media does not have access to the actual debate hall. Chairs, desks, wireless access and electrical outlets will be provided. The debate partners have requested that the candidates be available to meet in person with the credentialed press following the debate. The media area is not open to the public and is open only to media members who have been credentialed by the partners.

(The partners for the beforeyouvote debates must be satisfied that the individuals applying for credentials are bona fide media professionals and represent bona fide media organizations. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decisions of the debate partners are final. The partners reserve the right to deny or withdraw credentials of journalists from media organizations who abuse the privileges so extended or put the credentials to improper use or act in a way not consistent with the principles of the organization.)

The deadline to submit media credential applications is Thursday, October 13. Onsite applications may be submitted at Palm Beach State College from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesday, October 18. Palm Beach State College is providing a large space for the media filing center, but if there are more members of the media than space permits, on-site applications for credentials may not be granted.

Receiving the Media Press Pass
Media credentials may be picked up from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, October 18. Credentials will be available for pick up at on the Palm Beach State College. Once your application has been approved, you will receive an email with the specific location.

When picking up your media credentials, please provide two forms of valid ID including proof of media affiliation. One ID must include a photo and should be either a valid driver’s license, state issued identification card, current passport or military ID. CREDENTIALS WILL NOT BE PROVIDED WITHOUT A PHOTO ID.

On-site Credentialing
We will do our best to accommodate on-site credentialing requests but due to space limitations and security issues the availability of on-site credentialing is not guaranteed. Apply in person at the media filing center at Palm Beach State College. Must have media and personal ID with photo.

CREDENTIAL APPLICATION HAS EXPIRED