Criteria

Eligibility is restricted to those journalists, freelancers, bloggers, and other public writers who either:

  • Have reported on higher education and its diverse issues for at least four months from the time of request. Or,
  • Are working for or contracted by a media organization or platform with evidence of a history of reporting on issues related to education.

Procedure

  1. Each journalist or writer submits a letter of accreditation of media personnel on official letterhead of a media organization, signed by the Publisher or Assignment Editor with their contact information.  For freelancers, a letter from the Editor recognizing that the journalist or writer in question is a contributor to a recognized bona fide media organization. In either case the letter should include the duration of the assignment and reach of the media (print circulation, radio, tv audience numbers, and statistical hits for websites or blogs).
  2. For those freelancers or bloggers who are self-employed, not currently employed by a media organization, or are their own editors (such as some bloggers), a letter written by oneself is acceptable. The letter should include the name or the project, post or assignment, its duration, and the name of the media organization or platform to which the report or investigation will be submitted. The letter should state the reach of the media in which the piece will be featured or will be submitted for review (print circulation, radio, tv audience numbers, and statistical hits for websites or blogs.)

Supporting Documentation Required

  • A copy of a recognized proof of identity with photo—driver’s license, passport, identity card, etc.
  • One of the following:
  1. Independent media, broadcast or film production companies and writers must provide a letter from a broadcast organization, film distributor, or web platform which states its commitment to air or distribute the work.
  2. Print reporter must submit at least one by-lined article published within the past four months and a copy of the publication; for those writers who have yet to have a by-lined publication on the topic of higher education the writer must submit at minimum two articles within the last year on the topic of education from the print media in which the work will be published. The writer should also include a copy of the publication.
  3. Radio and TV media must submit at least one recording of report broadcast that has aired within the past four months on the topic of higher education.
  4. Photographers must submit original tear sheets or photos with credits of the issuing organization.
  5. Online media (Subject to all other criteria, online media may include news outlets, blogs, vlogs and others) 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 higher education.
  • 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.

Restrictions

  1. Online publications which are communications outreach, personal blogs, or advocacy publications of non-governmental or non-profit organizations do not qualify for media accreditation.
  2. In order to ensure the best possible conditions for open scholarly exchange and debate among its membership the ASA reserves the right to limit and restrict Press access to specific areas and events of the Annual Convention.
  3. The ASA reserves the right to deny press credentials to anyone at any time.