Home › Who it is for › Part-time journalists

Press card for part-time journalists

If you publish journalism regularly alongside another job, your studies or family commitments, you can apply for the FJA press card. We do not ask how much of your income comes from journalism – unlike NUJ full membership, which requires at least half of your earned income from journalistic work (25% if you are under 30).

Part-time journalists keep local news, specialist magazines, community radio and independent websites alive. They often fall outside the UK Press Card system, even when they report regularly and responsibly. This page explains your options.

Apply for your press card Check the requirements

Press card for part-time journalists: FJA press card, sample data

Who counts as a part-time journalist?

Anyone who regularly produces journalism without it being their main occupation.

Second-job journalists

Teachers, engineers, lawyers or nurses who write, photograph or broadcast regularly in their specialist field.

Community reporters

Volunteers and part-timers at local papers, hyperlocal sites, community radio and parish magazines.

Career builders

People moving into journalism who publish regularly while still earning most of their income elsewhere.

Specialist critics

Reviewers of music, theatre, food, games or technology who publish independent criticism.

Parents and carers

Journalists who reduced their hours but continue to publish.

Retired journalists

Former staff journalists who keep writing or photographing on a freelance basis.

Part-time journalists and the UK Press Card

The gatekeeper system is designed around professional newsgathering.

The UK Press Card is aimed at people who work professionally as media workers and whose work is wholly or significantly concerned with newsgathering. Gatekeepers interpret this in different ways. The NUJ sets income thresholds for full membership and offers temporary membership for people establishing themselves (up to three years) and associate membership for those with a full-time job outside journalism; whether a press card is available depends on the scheme rules, so ask the NUJ directly. The BAJ expects published, paid and credited work for a major UK news organisation and a letter from an editor.

If you do not meet these criteria, that says nothing about the quality of your work – it simply means the UK Press Card is not designed for your situation. The FJA card is. See press card comparison UK.

What the FJA card offers part-time journalists

A professional ID without a professional income test.

No minimum income or share of income from journalism
No membership or monthly fee
Unpaid journalism counts if it is regular and published
Review before printing and full refund if declined

Valid 12, 24 or 36 months
Personal card number and QR verification
English-language card usable abroad
Free cancellation until production starts

Journalism and your main employer

Keep both roles clearly separate.

If you work for an organisation in your day job, check your contract for rules on outside work, conflicts of interest and speaking about your employer. Never use your press card to gain information for your employer, and declare any conflict of interest to your editor and readers. If you cover topics connected with your day job, transparency is essential for your credibility – the IPSO Editors’ Code and most newsroom guidelines treat undeclared conflicts as a serious issue. When you request interviews, make clear which outlet you are writing for.

Making the most of limited time

Tips from part-time reporters.

Focus on a beat where your day-job knowledge gives you an edge
Build relationships with a few press offices that matter for your topic
Plan events and accreditations weeks ahead

Use your press card number in your email signature
Keep a simple portfolio page up to date
Consider ALCS registration for secondary royalties – see ALCS for journalists

Tax for part-time freelance journalism

A quick pointer – not tax advice.

Income from freelance journalism counts as self-employment income. GOV.UK explains that you need to register for Self Assessment if you earn more than £1,000 from self-employment in a tax year. Allowable expenses can reduce your taxable profit if they are incurred wholly for your business. For your own situation, please check the HMRC guidance on GOV.UK or speak to an accountant.

Typical part-time journalists we see

Part-time journalism takes many forms. These examples show the range.

The specialist

A teacher, engineer or nurse who writes a regular column or analysis pieces for a trade magazine or local paper about their field. Their expertise is their strength; regular publication makes them a journalist.

The local reporter

Someone with a day job who covers council meetings, local sport or community events for a hyperlocal news site in the evenings and at weekends.

The career changer

A person building a second career in journalism alongside their current job, publishing freelance pieces regularly while they gain experience and contacts.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a press card if journalism is not my main job?

Yes. The FJA press card has no income criterion. You must be 18 or over and publish journalistic work regularly.

Can part-time journalists get the UK Press Card?

It depends on the gatekeeper and the scheme rules, which focus on professional newsgathering. Many part-time journalists do not qualify; ask the gatekeeper directly.

Does unpaid journalism count?

Yes, if it is journalistic and published regularly, for example for a community paper or your own site.

How often do I need to publish?

Roughly at least every two to three months. If you publish less often, list your work in the application and we will review it.

Can my employer object to my press card?

Your press card is personal. Check your employment contract for rules on outside work and conflicts of interest.

Do I need to register with HMRC?

If you earn more than £1,000 from self-employment in a tax year, GOV.UK says you must register for Self Assessment.

How many articles a month count as “regular”?

There is no fixed number. A monthly column, a weekly match report or a steady flow of pieces over several months all show regular work. What matters is that your journalism is ongoing, not a single article.

Can I use the press card during my main job?

Only for journalistic work. If your main job is not journalism, keep the card out of it – for example, do not use it at events you attend for your employer.

Do I need to tell my employer that I work as a journalist?

Check your employment contract. Some contracts require you to disclose or get permission for second jobs, and some employers have rules on speaking to the media. If in doubt, ask HR or seek advice before you start.

Can retired journalists apply?

Yes, if they still publish journalistic work regularly – for example a column, a blog with original reporting or freelance features. A card for past work only is not possible.

Sources and last review

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