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Press card for bloggers: can bloggers get a press pass?

Yes – bloggers who publish journalistic content regularly can apply for the FJA press card. That includes reporting, reviews, interviews, analysis and local news. Several UK Press Card gatekeepers, such as the BAJ, explicitly exclude bloggers, which is one reason our card exists.

What counts is the journalistic character of your blog, not its size. A niche site with regular, independent reviews can qualify; a site that only publishes sponsored content cannot. Here is what we look for and how bloggers can use a press card well.

Apply for your press card Check the requirements

Press card for bloggers: FJA press card with sample data

Which bloggers qualify?

Journalistic intent and regular publication are the key tests.

Usually qualifies

News and local blogs reporting on events, councils or communities
Review blogs on music, film, games, technology, food or travel with an independent editorial voice
Specialist blogs with interviews, analysis or investigations
Newsletters on platforms such as Substack with journalistic content

Usually does not qualify

Blogs consisting mainly of affiliate links or sponsored posts
Personal diaries without reporting or commentary on public matters
Blogs that have not published anything for many months
Copy-and-paste or AI-generated content without editorial work

What we may ask bloggers for

We do not count followers. We look at your work.

In most cases your confirmation in the order is enough. If your application leaves questions open, we may ask for the address of your blog and links to two or three recent posts showing journalistic work – for example a review, a report from an event or an interview. A clear “about” page and an imprint or contact page help. We decline applications where no journalistic content is visible and refund the full amount.

Tip: make transparency part of your brand. Label sponsored content and gifts clearly – the Advertising Standards Authority and the Competition and Markets Authority expect that from influencers and bloggers, and it also shows organisers that your editorial work is independent.

How bloggers use a press card

The card opens conversations; your coverage keeps doors open.

Press lists

Ask PR agencies and press offices to add you to their lists. Your card number and blog statistics make the request credible.

Events and launches

Apply for accreditation early and explain what you will publish and when. See press accreditation.

Interviews

A verifiable card reassures interviewees that you will publish what you discussed and quote them fairly.

Realistic expectations for bloggers

A press card is not a ticket.

Organisers of major events usually prioritise established media. Glastonbury does not issue press passes to uncommissioned freelancers, and London Fashion Week asks for a commission from an established publication. Smaller venues, local events and niche trade shows are often more open to bloggers with an engaged audience. Free products, tickets or discounts are never guaranteed – see press card discounts. If you write for an established outlet as well, a commission from that outlet is your strongest argument.

Making your blog credible to press offices

Press officers decide in seconds whether a blog looks like a publication. Four things make the difference.

A clear “About” page and imprint

Say who runs the blog, what it covers, how often you publish and how to contact you. Use your real name. A blog without a named person behind it is hard to trust and almost impossible to accredit.

Editorial standards in writing

A short page explaining how you check facts, handle corrections and deal with gifts or review copies shows that you work like a newsroom. Link to it from every article footer.

Clean separation of advertising

Label sponsored posts, affiliate links and free products clearly. Organisers increasingly check this before they invite bloggers, because they do not want to be associated with hidden advertising.

Honest audience information

Prepare a one-page media kit with your topics, typical readers and real visitor or subscriber numbers. Round down rather than up – press offices compare notes, and credibility is hard to win back.

Sample request for press access

A short, specific request works better than a long one. Adapt this template to your event.

Subject: Press request – [your blog] – [event name, date]

Dear [name],

I run [blog name], an independent blog about [topic] with around [honest number] monthly readers. I would like to cover [event] on [date] and plan to publish [a review / an interview / a photo report] within [time frame].

Recent examples of my coverage: [link 1], [link 2]. I hold an FJA press card (no. [number]), which you can verify via the QR code or at the verification page.

I would be grateful for [one press ticket / a photo pass / an interview slot]. I will send you the link once the piece is published.

Kind regards,
[Name, phone, website]

Send requests early – for festivals and large events, press windows often close weeks before the date. If the answer is no, thank the organiser and ask whether a later event would be a better fit. More tips are in our guide to press credentials.

Frequently asked questions

Can bloggers get a press card in the UK?

Bloggers who publish journalistic content regularly can get the FJA press card. The UK Press Card is aimed at professional newsgatherers, and some gatekeepers such as the BAJ exclude bloggers.

How many visitors does my blog need?

There is no minimum. We look at the journalistic nature and regularity of your content, not at traffic or followers.

Do I need to earn money from my blog?

No. Income is not a requirement. Unpaid blogs can qualify if they are journalistic and updated regularly.

Can I get press credentials as a blogger?

Many organisers accredit bloggers, especially for local events, reviews and trade shows. Large events usually prefer commissioned media. A press card supports your request.

Do I have to label sponsored posts?

UK advertising rules require ads to be obviously identifiable. Clear labelling also helps your credibility with organisers and readers.

Is a newsletter a blog for this purpose?

Yes. A regularly published newsletter with journalistic content is treated like a blog.

Does a hobby blog qualify?

It can, if you publish journalistic content regularly – for example reviews, reports or interviews based on your own research. The deciding factor is the type of work, not whether you earn money from it. A diary-style personal blog usually does not qualify.

Should I mention my press card in every request?

Mention it briefly as a way for the organiser to verify who you are. The strength of a request lies in your published work and a clear plan for coverage, not in the card itself.

Can I accept free products or tickets as a blogger?

Many bloggers do, but readers should know about it. State clearly in the article when you received a product, ticket or trip for free, and keep your verdict independent. Our page on press card discounts explains why a press card never entitles you to freebies.

What if an organiser only accredits “established media”?

Respect the decision and build a track record first: cover smaller events, publish regularly and collect examples. Some organisers reconsider when you can show consistent, well-researched coverage of their field.

Sources and last review

Last reviewed: October 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.