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Press pass for podcasters

Podcasters who publish journalistic episodes regularly – news, interviews, investigations, documentaries or reviews – can apply for the FJA press card. It helps you book interviews, register for press events and identify yourself when recording on location.

Audio journalism has grown into a major format, but traditional press card schemes rarely mention podcasts. Here is what we look for, how podcasters use a press card and what to keep in mind when recording.

Apply for your press card Check the requirements

Press pass for podcasters: FJA press card, sample data

Which podcasts qualify?

We look at content and regularity, not downloads.

Qualifies

News and current affairs podcasts
Interview podcasts with public figures, experts or witnesses
Investigative and documentary series
Review and criticism podcasts with an independent voice
Local and community audio journalism

Does not qualify

Purely private chat shows without reporting or interviews
Corporate or sponsored podcasts without editorial independence
Podcasts without regular episodes

Full criteria: press card requirements.

How podcasters use a press card

Practical uses in day-to-day production.

Booking guests

Press offices and agents often check who is asking for an interview. A verifiable card number in your request answers that question.

Press events

Conferences, festivals and trade shows increasingly accredit podcasters. Your card supports the request. See press conferences and trade fairs.

Field recording

When you record vox pops or atmosphere in public, a visible card shows people why you are recording.

Recording interviews responsibly

Good practice protects you and your guests.

Tell guests that you are recording and how the recording will be used, and get their agreement before you publish. The IPSO Editors’ Code says journalists must not seek to obtain or publish material acquired using hidden recording devices or clandestine listening devices, or through misrepresentation or subterfuge, unless this can be justified in the public interest. Data protection law applies to identifiable people; the journalism exemption in the Data Protection Act 2018 only applies where you reasonably believe publication is in the public interest. Check defamation risks before you publish allegations – the Defamation Act 2013 sets out defences such as truth, honest opinion and publication on a matter of public interest.

From podcast to press credentials

How to make organisers take your show seriously.

A show page with episode list, topics and contact details
Honest audience figures and where your listeners are
Clear labelling of sponsored segments

A short coverage plan in every accreditation request
Your press card number in your email signature
Follow-up after events with links to the published episode

Is your podcast journalism? A quick test

Format does not matter – method does. These signals help us, and the press offices you contact, judge a show.

Signal	Points in favour	Points against
Content	Reporting, interviews, analysis or investigation on topics of public interest	Mainly promotion of your own products, services or clients
Sources	Named and checked sources, links in the show notes	Unchecked claims, no way to trace where information comes from
Corrections	Mistakes are corrected openly in a later episode or the notes	Errors are left standing or quietly deleted
Independence	Sponsored segments are clearly labelled and kept apart from editorial content	Paid content is presented as independent opinion
Regularity	Episodes published on a regular schedule over months	A single episode or a feed that has been dormant for a long time

No single row decides an application. We look at the overall picture of your recent episodes.

Booking guests and dealing with press offices

Most of a podcaster’s access comes from good requests, not from a card.

Writing a guest request

Keep it short: who you are, the name of the show, what the episode is about and why this guest fits. Add two or three links to comparable episodes and give realistic audience information. Offer a recording date, the expected length and whether the interview will be edited. Mention your press card only as a way to verify who you are.

Working with press offices

Press officers handle requests from many outlets and prioritise those they can place quickly. Use a consistent show name, a professional email address and a website or feed page with an imprint. Answer follow-up questions fast and send the link once the episode is live – it makes the next request easier.

Production habits that build trust

Listeners, guests and organisers notice whether a show works carefully.

Tell guests in advance that you are recording, how the material will be used and whether it will be edited.
Keep raw recordings and notes so that you can check quotes if they are disputed.
Publish show notes with sources, guest details and links to documents you refer to.
Give people you criticise a fair chance to respond before the episode goes out.
Label sponsored segments and affiliate links clearly.
Follow the same standards as other journalists – see our guide to journalism ethics.

Frequently asked questions

Can podcasters get a press pass?

Yes. Podcasters who regularly publish journalistic episodes can apply for the FJA press card. There is no minimum number of downloads.

Do I need to be a professional journalist?

No. The podcast must be journalistic and published regularly, but it does not have to be your main income.

Will festivals accredit my podcast?

Some do, especially when you can show an audience and a coverage plan. Large events often prioritise established media; the organiser decides.

Can I record interviews in public places?

Recording in public is generally possible, but people may have privacy rights. Tell people you are recording and follow the IPSO Editors’ Code on clandestine recording.

Does the press card help with booking guests?

It can. Press offices and agents can verify you quickly, which often makes them more willing to arrange interviews.

Is there an age limit?

Yes, 18 or over, without exceptions.

Do download numbers matter for my application?

No minimum audience is required. We look at whether the show is journalistic and published regularly. Be honest about your numbers when you contact organisers – inflated figures damage trust quickly.

Can co-hosts each get their own press card?

Yes, if each person does journalistic work for the show, for example research, interviewing or editing. Every co-host applies individually with their own details and photo.

Does a video podcast count differently from an audio-only show?

No. Audio, video and live-streamed formats are treated the same way. What counts is the journalistic method behind the episodes, not the platform or the equipment.

Can I use the press card to record at events without permission?

No. The organiser decides whether and where recording is allowed. Ask in advance, mention that you want to record, and respect any restrictions on the day. The card helps to identify you; it does not replace the organiser’s permission.

Sources and last review

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