Pandemic Drives Surge In Demand For Press Cards

The News Media Association issued more than twice as many press cards in March 2020 than the same month last year as the coronavirus lockdown fuelled a surge in demand for identification. 

Journalists and ancillary workers were confirmed as key workers following lobbying by the NMA and the industry, as restrictions of movement were introduced to combat the spread of the virus. 

Demand for press cards shot up in the month of March, with the NMA – one of the 19 UK Press Card Authority gatekeepers – issuing more than double the amount in the same month last year. 

Press cards are formally recognised by all police forces in the UK, by the Ministry of Justice, the Royal Households and by other public bodies.

The cost of a press card is £20 for those working for NMA members and £40 for those working for national and regional news media who are non- members.

The NMA issues press cards as part of its media facilities service for member publishers which also includes the Royal Rota scheme enabling national and regional titles to access pooled pictures from high profile royal and political events across the UK.

To apply for a press card please contact Laura Skerrett for an application form.