AT A GLANCE: EVERYTHING ABOUT MEMBERSHIP AND PRESS CARD
The occupation journalist or press photographer was always easy to access. The spectrum of journalistic activities is constantly undergoing change and members do not underestimate the career orientated services of the EPF. If you want to expand your activities as a member of the press then you will discover that the EPF is a competent partner. The alternative: Not only media professionals are members of EPF, but also newcomers or specialists from other sectors, because the EPF naturally also supports those people who also work part-time.

European Press Federation

1. Who can become a member of EPF?

The requirement is your journalistic activity (no matter whether it is full or part-time), which you need to confirm during application (cf. registration).



2. Who gets a press card?

All people who are active as journalists have a right to receive the identification documents. You do not have to prove to EPF which journalistic active you pursue. Proof will only then be requested if there is any doubt concerning your activities.



3. Why is a press card needed?

A press card authorises the holder as an official representative of the press. The pursuance of a journalistic activity is made easier by the possession of a press card.



4. Who issues the press card?


The internationally valid press card is issued by the association European Press Federation.


Journalistic activities and how they are to be understood:

You should know... Access to careers in publication is easy and free from regulations in most democratic countries. Therefore a journalistic activity can also be carried out by part-time employed people (journalists). If for example you make your thoughts, research or coverage accessible to the public, you are already active as a journalist. The contents need to be neither scientifically or artistically valuable – something which is however silently expected of serious members of the press. So if your journalistic work is meant for the public, because it is either printed or published in other media, for example the internet, then you are already active as a journalist. The following list will give you an idea of some of the recognised areas of journalism.

. . .
• Articles about trade fairs & exhibitions
• Event reporter (e. g. Interviews)
• Work as a camera man
• PR work (e. g. for a club)
• Research journalist (part-time)
• Voluntary press work
• Press photographer or video journalist

• Documentaries: sport, events etc.
• Freelance copywriter
• Online journalism
• Internet radio (audio reports)
• Creation of travel reports
• Cinema or theatre critic
• Press service (Content supplier)
• Editorial web blogs
• PR for tourism
• Reviews: Book, DVD, CD etc
• Creation of online content etc.
• Composing pieces of coverage
  

Validity, membership fees and services

The Press cards are valid for the calendar year printed on the card and will be reissued each year. There is a difference between standard and premium membership which include different services according to status. Here are the details:

The Premium Status:

• 142 Euro one time admission fee
• 48 Euro membership fee each year

Included press documents & items:

• International Press card
• Press card (ID-Card)
• Official press sign for vehicles
• Official press card for vehicles (small)
• Membership certificate
• Premium cord for the ID card
• CD: Press - Publication

The Standard Status:

• 122 Euro one time admission fee
• 48 Euro membership fee each year

Included press documents & items:

• International Press card
• Official press sign for vehicles
• Membership certificate


Advantages that the members of EPF appreciate:

• No overly expensive membership fees! No extra cost for the press sign for vehicles.
• EPF members receive considerable services for a reasonable price.
• No discriminating disclosure of income or occupational activities.
• Unbureaucratic, transparent and swift processing.
• No proof of occupation necessary. Working as a journalist is sufficient.
• Guaranteed services: EPF support, service and member login.

The membership application

I. First of all, apply for a membership with the EPF.  II. Wait for the provisional membership in order to make your payment.  III: All press documents will be issued and send to you in an attractive folder.