PRESS CARD OF THE EUROPEAN PRESS FEDERATION.
To start with: Don’t be fooled by descriptions such as official or government recognised press card. If these statements are used they are misleading and do not constitute the truth. Form your own opinion. Here are the facts: The description 'official' or 'government recognised' press card is quite simply a delusion. Apart from a very few exceptions there are no authorities or government offices in democratic countries which officially issue press cards. Often the opposite is the case: A state issue of press cards is not desired because access to journalistic careers is unrestricted. Also the freedom of the press should not be questioned, which would not be the case with a state issued press card. This means: Even the trade union dominated journalist associations are not exclusively allowed to issue press cards.

 European Press Federation

Disadvantages of association press cards?

Many associations – especially the trade union dominated journalist organisations – only issue press cards to full-time representatives of the press, part-time journalists often fall by the wayside. Reason: With freelance or part-time journalists they are unable to press their price policies forward and thereby push through market claims. After all, freelance journalists often work more efficiently and at less cost (also not within the boundaries of a labour agreement) than their colleagues who belong to trade unions. Those journalists with lower incomes who do decide to join a career association are often discriminated by trade unions in connection with their press card. On the other hand, the EPF is differently structured: The interests apply also to freelance and self-employed journalists, no matter whether or not these are full or part-time employed. As an association independent of politics, trade unions and financial dependencies, you will find that EPF is a partner at your side which supports and promotes part-time journalists. In the scope of your journalist activity you can require the new press card unbureaucratically. A full-time employment is not a requirement.

In short: The EPF press card is an ideal alternative for representatives of the media who work part-time or voluntarily. You may also acquire this card or become an EPF member in addition to your current association commitments. Apply for membership: here!


Press card also for part-time journalists

A press card serves as evidence of a journalistic activity to third parties (e.g. companies and authorities etc.). Those, for example, who work as a freelance journalist and researches on behalf of an editorial office or for a documentary requires access to certain events/locations. Note: Without a press card this is often not possible. The press card is therefore a necessary working tool. The document supports the owner in carrying out his activity and exercising his right for information and is often used to gain access to providers of special conditions for the press. A press card makes it easier for authorities to determine whether a person is officially working as a representative of the media.


Immediately useable worldwide: The international press card (IPC)


What is the use of a press card from a national association if you work far away from home? Many institutions, organisers and companies abroad offer considerable preferential conditions or make your work as a journalist a lot easier if provided with an international press card.

Make the decision to become an EPF member. Your international press card (IPC) is included in the membership. The identification document is issued in a forgery protected credit card format. The most important features are: Hologram (self destructs when manipulated) and the horizontal colour gradient. A special print technology gives the impression that the press card is a high quality credit card. All press documents are officially registered. The EPF press card is trusted by authorities, companies and organisers due to the high quality of work within the association. It also holds a high degree of acceptance within professional circles.