Bloggers Rights

Do blogger have the same legal rights as journalist? Not according to one federal judge in Portland, OR. In a report by Graeme McMillan, “Judge Marco Hernandez ruled that “blogging does not, in fact, equal journalism, and that bloggers do not necessarily deserve of the moral and legal protections that ‘real’ journalists are given.”

Federal Court Building in Wilmington, Delaware Photo taken by Shereen Williams

Local bloggers were surprised to find out that there is a legal difference between the two. However, bloggers and journalists have many characteristics in common. For example, both have the right to apply for a press pass, which allows all-access into an event. This pass is needed to cover newsworthy stories. Bloggers are a part of the press and are great news sources. Attaining press passes to cover news events is really easy.  Bloggers, photographers, videographers, writers and journalists can be approved for press passes to an event. There is an application process that needs to be followed.

IFNM reported, "To obtain a press pass you will need to contact the organizers of the event approximately 6-8 weeks in advance and follow their required protocol. 
The earlier you submit the media request form, the greater your chances of obtaining accreditation (Your Press Pass / Press Credentials for the event). 
Journalists requesting media credentials must pre-register and collect their badges before entering the Press Office / Registration desk. 

You can usually find the contact online. Please visit the event organizers website and locate the contact information for the organizers press relations department. If no press contact information is listed on their website or they do not have a website, please call any number you can find which is associated with the event and ask for the individual handling media relations for the event you want to cover.”

In a face-to-face interview with a Wilmington, Delaware blogger Terica Price described her experience in recently applying for press passes for the Essence Music festival in New Orleans. “As a new blogger I was so excited to find out that blogger have the opportunity to apply for press credentials? I personally completed the online application that would give me complete press access at the entire Essence Music Festival. They requested detailed information concerning my blog. They was very interested in the blog they asked about the blog the name web address and the numbers of following. I completed the full media application, however the application was a day late. I assumed that the press pass was approved for all access media passes. I was sadly mistaken. Once I arrived to the event my name wasn’t on any list in the building. After they looked for my name for fifteen minutes and didn’t find my name anywhere. They asked me did I have any press any press credentials from my place of employment. I reply “NO”. They explain that my registration was late, however if you had your person media credentials they would of honor the press pass. Than I asked her how do I apply for the credential she stated, at this time they only honoring credential from individuals that actual work with press companies as journalist with identification. In the future get regerstation in on time to be considered.  She stated, that I had to pay just like general public for every event.

Local Blogger Terica Price In New Orleans  Photo Taken by Shereen Williams

Then they asked me to leave the building immediately for security purposes.

Price totally understands the legal standing between a blogger and journalist. However this will not stop her from apply for media passes. In the future I complete information request with in 6-8 weeks in advance. In addition I will request written confirmation before attending any media events. However I didn’t let this situation discourage me from reporting on my blog. Since than I covered mainstream concerts, major news events and high fashion runway shows in NYC.I may not be protected by the “Shield Law” however I am a reliable new source and apart of the media ” (T. Price, Personal Communication, August 14, 2012)

New Orleans Bourbon Live Rhythm &Soul of Nola Sign  no press pass needed to enter
Photo taken by Shereen Williams

Terica Price at the Eagles Training camp
Photo taken By Shereen Williams