(Amended by Ord. No. 150,115, Eff. 10/20/77. )
A. The Board is hereby authorized, and may delegate the authority to the Department, to issue news media identification cards (hereinafter “cards”) only to those whom the Board or the Department determines to be actual news-gathering representatives of newspapers or publications, news services, radio or television stations maintaining a regular news service or to self-employed reporters and photographers who regularly cover news events at which police and/or fire lines within the City of Los Angeles are established. The exclusive purpose of such cards shall be to enable the bearer thereof to pass through established police and fire lines in order to cover news events occurring behind such lines .
B. Each card shall be issued either for the current calendar year, or for a lesser period and shall bear upon its face:
1. The words “News Media” imprinted in bold letters.
2. A distinct number.
3. The name of the newspaper, news service, radio or television station, or the name of the self-employed reporter or photographer represented.
4. A photograph of the holder.
5. The right index fingerprint of the holder.
6. The signature of the holder.
7. The signature of the Chief of Police.
8. The year of issuance imprinted in bold numbers.
9. The age, weight, height, color of hair, and color of eyes of the holder.
C. No card shall be issued until application shall have been made to the Board or the Department (if the Board has delegated authority to the Department). An applicant may be required to furnish the following information:
1. The name, residence address, and residence telephone number of the applicant.
2. The age, weight, height, color of hair and color of eyes of the applicant.
3. The date of the application.
4. The reason for the issuance of said card.
5. If the applicant represents a newspaper, news service, radio or television station, the name, address and telephone number of the newspaper, news service, radio or television station represented.
6. If the applicant represents a newspaper, news service, radio or television station, the exact employment relationship between the applicant and the newspaper, publication, news service with the verification of the same and of the fact that the applicant is an actual news-gathering representative thereof by the manager of said newspaper, publication, news service, radio or television station.
7. If the applicant is a self-employed reporter or photographer, the past experience and demonstrated need of the applicant to cover on a regular basis news events at which police and/or fire lines are established.
D. Each applicant shall be cleared through the Records and Identification Division, and a space on the application shall be provided for the notation of such clearance. The application shall also contain a space for written approval, or disapproval, by the Chief of Police and the reasons therefor.
E. If any applicant is denied a card by the Department, he or she may appeal such denial to the Board, which shall promptly review the reasons for such denial and issue a decision either affirming or overruling the Department.
F. Temporary cards, the duration of which shall last no more than one month, may be issued to news media representatives who do not qualify under Section A hereof.
G. Appropriate guidelines interpreting the implementation of this ordinance shall be approved by the Board. Said guidelines shall be made available upon request to all applicants for cards.
H. The fee for issuance of a card shall be $63.00; provided, however, that no fee shall be charged for the reissuance of such card. (Amended by Ord. No. 186,557, Eff. 4/14/20.)