Bloggers Now Eligible for Press Passes in NYC
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Have a blog? Get in line for your press pass.
The New York Police Department announced Tuesday that online journalists can get press credentials -- as long as they reported on at least six events in the city in the preceding two years.
The move comes as a result of a 2008 lawsuit filed by three bloggers who were denied passes, even though traditional media outlets now rely heavily on blogs to post information and break news.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Now all a blogger has to do is cover city-sponsored activities, like parades or press conferences, in order to get a pass. With the pass they can cover congressional events and debates and cross police lines for up to two years -- just like their print, TV and radio cohorts.
The NYPD said in a press release that the move was made to reflect changes to the media industry.
"This is a press credentialing system for the online age that can serve as a model for governments around the country," said Administrative Law Division Chief Gabriel Taussig. "The rules were drafted in a collaborative process with input from numerous interested participants, together with extensive research and a public listening session with members from all segments of the media."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
The public comment period on the new rules will continue through April 7, 2010, when the new rules will have a public hearing at police headquarters.