For more than 30 years, the UK has had a single press identity card – the UK Press Card.   It is the only press identity card recognised by the UK chief police officers’ associations.  It is issued under the unique joint supervision and sponsorship of the UK’s newspaper associations, broadcasters, periodical publishers, media trades unions and professional associations, and media agencies.  

Each organisation – known as a gatekeeper – is represented on the UK Press Card Authority, whose constitution sets out the rules of the UK Press Card.  Gatekeepers issue cards only to their respective employees or members who are professional newsgatherers – reporters, photographers, video camera operators, and other technical staff involved in the business of gathering news. 

We are aware of many organisations claiming to issue a “press card” particularly for a fee.  Please be aware that these “cards” are invariably fakes, with no standing or value.  In the United Kingdom, the UK Press Card is the only national Press Card.  Its copyright design includes a number of security features known only to organisations such as the police.

Mike Granatt, CB, Founding Chair UKPCA.