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(a) A Reserve Press Card is only issued to a newsgathering organization that employs or otherwise engages an individual(s) who is a member of the press to cover, in person:
i. emergency, spot, or breaking news events, or public events of a non-emergency nature, where police, fire lines, or other restrictions, limitations, or barriers established by the City of New York have been set up for security or crowd control purposes; or
ii. events sponsored by the City of New York that are open to members of the press.
(b) In its discretion, the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment may issue more than one Reserve Press Card to a single newsgathering organization based on the newsgathering organization's demonstration of need.
(c) The Reserve Press Card cycle is two (2) years. All Reserve Press Cards expire on January 15 of every odd year.
(d) The Reserve Press Card bears the name of the newsgathering organization to which it is issued together with other information designated by the Commissioner or head of the PCU. Any additional information designated by the Commissioner or head of the PCU shall be provided on MOME's website.
(e) A newsgathering organization that qualifies under subdivision (a) of this section may apply by completing an application that includes information about the newsgathering organization and members of the press engaged by the newsgathering organization. The newsgathering organization must submit six (6) or more articles, commentaries, books, photographs, videos, films, or audios published, broadcast, or cablecast on separate days within the twenty-four (24) months immediately preceding the Reserve Press Card application, sufficient to show that the newsgathering organization complies with subdivision (a) of this section.
(f) An application for a Reserve Press Card shall be granted or denied no later than thirty (30) days after the applicant submits a complete application for the Reserve Press Card. If an application for a Reserve Press Card is denied, the applicant shall be advised in writing of the basis for the denial pursuant to 43 RCNY § 16-06.
(g) An authorized representative of a newsgathering organization must appear in person to pick up the Reserve Press Card(s) if the application is approved. If the newsgathering organization was issued a Reserve Press Card(s) during the previous cycle, it must surrender all such card(s) in person to MOME. If such card(s) was lost or stolen, it must provide a Verification of Crime/Lost Property Report issued by the NYPD.
(h) The newsgathering organization holding a Reserve Press Card(s) may provide a Reserve Press Card to an individual who is a member of the press employed or engaged by the newsgathering organization if:
i. such individual does not already have a Standard Press Card issued in accordance with 43 RCNY § 16-03;
ii. such individual is not currently subject to a period of suspension or revocation of a Standard Press Card or Single Event Press Card, or such individual's conduct within the past six (6) months is not characterized by any of the criteria for suspension or revocation set forth in paragraph (iii) of subdivision (b) or paragraph (iii) of subdivision (c) of 43 RCNY § 16-06;
iii. the newsgathering organization directs such individual to complete a specific assignment that requires the individual to cover, in person:
(A) an emergency, spot, or breaking news event, or a public event of a non-emergency nature, where police or fire lines, or other restrictions, limitations, or barriers established by the City of New York have been set up for security or crowd control purposes; or
(B) cover, in person, an event sponsored by the City of New York that is open to members of the press; and
iv. such individual is at least eighteen (18) years old.
(i) When the editor or supervising employee of the newsgathering organization has determined that the Reserve Press Card authorized user completed the specific assignment for which the Reserve Press Card was issued, the Reserve Press Card authorized user must promptly return the Reserve Press Card to the editor or supervising employee of the newsgathering organization.
(Added City Record 12/20/2021, eff. 1/19/2022; amended City Record 2/11/2025, eff. 3/13/2025)
(a) To be eligible for a Single Event Press Card for a Single Event, an individual must be a member of the press who:
i. published, broadcast, or cablecast six (6) or more articles, commentaries, books, photographs, videos, films, or audios within the twenty-four (24) months immediately preceding pre-registration;
ii. completed the pre-registration process set forth in subdivision (e) of this section; and
iii. timely submitted a completed application for a Single Event Press Card.
(b) An individual must apply for a Single Event Press Card by the following deadlines:
i. no fewer than ten (10) days before the Single Event if the Single Event was announced to the public at least two (2) weeks in advance of the Single Event; or
ii. no later than two (2) business days after the Single Event was announced to the public for a Single Event scheduled fewer than two (2) weeks in advance; or
iii. if there is less than two (2) days' notice of the Single Event or in an exigent circumstance, the application should be submitted as soon as practicable.
(c) Each pre-registration will be valid for up to two (2) years, expiring on January 15 of every odd year. Each Single Event Press Card will be valid for the shorter of the duration of the Single Event or twenty-four (24) hours; provided, however, that MOME may issue a Single Event Press Card for longer than twenty-four (24) hours if the Single Event has a duration of more than twenty-four (24) hours.
(d) A Single Event Press Card bears the name, photograph, and newsgathering organization, if any, that employs the member of the press to whom it is issued, together with other information designated by the Commissioner or head of the PCU.
(e) An individual may
i. pre-register by completing an application that includes such applicant's personal identifying information and the name of the newsgathering organization, if any, that employs the individual. The applicant must submit six (6) or more articles, commentaries, books, photographs, videos, films, or audios published, broadcast, or cablecast within the twenty-four (24) months immediately preceding the pre-registration, sufficient to show that such applicant covered, in person, six (6) or more events occurring on separate days;
ii. apply for a Single Event Press Card by providing information that describes the Single Event, including the date(s) and location(s) of such Single Event; and
iii. apply for a renewal of a Single Event Press Card upon a demonstration that the Single Event is continuing beyond the expiration of the Single Event Press Card that has been issued to such individual.
iv. If the individual is under eighteen (18) years old:
(A) the individual may apply for a Single Event Press Card that provides access to a public event of a non-emergency nature or an event sponsored by the City of New York that is open to members of the press;
(B) the individual’s parent or legal guardian must provide their consent in writing on a form provided by MOME. The parent or legal guardian’s consent must be submitted with each pre-registration application, each Single Event Press Card application, and each renewal application, and
(C) In the discretion of the Commissioner or the Commissioner’s designee, PCU may consider factors such as the individual’s age, nature of the event, the event’s location, event’s duration, space limitations, potential safety risks, available space behind police, fire lines or City barriers, and the impact of space limitations and the safety of individuals required to accompany the Single Event Press Card applicant pursuant to 43 RCNY § 16-06(d), among other factors, when assessing whether to issue a Single Event Press Card to an individual under eighteen (18) years old.
(f) An application for a Single Event Press Card will be granted or denied no later than two (2) business days before the scheduled event, except that in the case of applications submitted fewer than two (2) weeks before the scheduled event, the application shall be granted or denied as soon as practicable. If an application for a Press Card is denied, the applicant shall be advised in writing of the basis for the denial pursuant to 43 RCNY § 16-06.
(g) An individual must appear in person to obtain a Single Event Press Card if their application is granted.
(h) MOME's failure to issue a Single Event Press Card prior to the conclusion of a Single Event that is the subject of an application shall not be deemed to constitute a denial subject to subdivision (a) of 43 RCNY § 16-06 if such application was received fewer than two (2) weeks in advance of such Single Event.
(i) Within three (3) business days of the expiration of a Single Event Press Card, the Single Event Press Card holder must either return the card in person to MOME, mail the card in a postage-paid envelope addressed to MOME, or provide the card to a courier or delivery service for delivery to MOME. MOME will post its address for mail and deliveries of Single Event Press Cards on its website. If such card is not received by MOME and the individual subsequently applies for a press credential, the individual must provide as a condition of receiving a press credential:
i. a Verification of Crime/Lost Property Report issued by the New York City Police Department; or
ii. proof of mailing or use of a courier or delivery service in a form acceptable to MOME.
(Added City Record 12/20/2021, eff. 1/19/2022; amended City Record 2/11/2025, eff. 3/13/2025)
(a) Denial of application.
i. Right to appeal.
(A) Any applicant who is denied a press credential shall be notified in writing of the basis of the denial and their right to appeal the denial by requesting a hearing before the adjudicatory body authorized to conduct trials at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings ("OATH"), in accordance with Section 1046 of the City Charter and Title 48 of the Rules of the City of New York.
(B) An applicant seeking to appeal a denial to OATH must request, through MOME, a hearing within sixty-five (65) days of the date of the denial. The request to MOME must be in writing and submitted on a form prescribed by MOME, which shall process the request and forward to OATH all relevant documentation received from the applicant.
(C) Upon receipt of the request submitted through MOME, OATH will hold the hearing within sixty (60) days of the date the applicant's request was received by MOME, except where the parties jointly agree on a later hearing date, an adjournment is granted pursuant to OATH's rules of practice and procedures, or where extraordinary circumstances prevent such scheduling, as determined by the Chief Administrative Law Judge or their designee.
ii. Criteria. One or more of the following criteria must be met to justify a denial of an application for a press credential:
(A) The applicant failed to meet the eligibility qualifications described in the definition of a "member of the press" or "newsgathering organization", as applicable, set forth in 43 RCNY § 16-01; or
(B) The applicant failed to meet the eligibility requirements for the press credential; or
(C) The applicant failed to complete all administrative requirements or instructions set forth in these rules or in the application; provided, however, that MOME will notify the applicant of any incomplete requirements and provide an opportunity for the applicant to complete the application within five (5) business days of notification; or
(D) The applicant failed to truthfully respond to application questions or provided fraudulent proof of eligibility; provided, however, that the application will not be denied on the basis of an immaterial error in the application that is corrected by the applicant within five (5) business days of notification by MOME; or
(E) The applicant (1) has an open case for a lawful arrest for or was convicted of a misdemeanor while newsgathering or has an open case for a lawful arrest for or was convicted of a felony; and (2) the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment determines that granting a press credential to such applicant would involve an unreasonable risk to property or to the safety or welfare of specific individuals or the general public; or
(F) The applicant failed to complete a period of suspension or revocation concerning a previously issued press credential; or
(G) The applicant was responsible for the misconduct resulting in the suspension or revocation of a Reserve Press Card and such period of suspension or revocation has not expired; or
(H) The applicant engaged in conduct set forth in paragraphs (B) - (F) of paragraph (iii) of subdivision (b) of this section.
(b) Suspension.
i. Right to a hearing. MOME is the only agency authorized to suspend a press credential. A press credential may not be suspended by MOME prior to a hearing and a determination that a suspension is proper, based on the criteria set forth in paragraph (iii) of this subdivision Upon MOME's determination that a press card was seized by an agency, office, official, or employee of the City of New York in violation of this paragraph, MOME shall promptly replace the press card.
ii. Procedure and burden of proof. The hearing will be held before the adjudicatory body authorized to conduct trials at OATH, in accordance with Section 1046 of the Charter and Title 48 of the Rules of the City of New York; provided, however, that consistent with subdivision (f) of § 3-119.4 of the New York City Administrative Code, the applicable burden of proof for a suspension of a press credential is clear and convincing evidence.
iii. Criteria. One or more of the following criteria must be met to justify the suspension of a press credential. The Standard Press Card holder or Single Event Press Card holder:
(A) (1) has an open case for a lawful arrest for or was convicted of a misdemeanor while newsgathering or has an open case for a lawful arrest for or was convicted of a felony and (2) continued use of the press credential would involve an unreasonable risk to property or to the safety or welfare of specific individuals or the general public; or
(B) while engaged in a newsgathering capacity, failed to comply with a lawful order of a police officer or an authorized person of the City agency(ies) or office(s) sponsoring the event; or
(C) while engaged in a newsgathering capacity, intentionally interfered or attempted to interfere with the performance of an official function of a police officer or an authorized person of the City agency(ies) or office(s) sponsoring the event; or
(D) misused or misrepresented a press credential issued by the City of New York; or
(E) conducted an unauthorized transfer or assignment of such credential; or
(F) engaged in other conduct that involved an unreasonable risk to property or to the safety or welfare of specific individuals or the general public or interfered with official law enforcement or emergency personnel needs while engaged in a newsgathering capacity.
iv. Reserve Press Cards. A newsgathering organization's Reserve Press Card(s) may be suspended if:
(A) the newsgathering organization issues the Reserve Press Card to an authorized user who engages in conduct set forth in subparagraphs (A) - (F) of paragraph (iii) of this subdivision, and (2) the newsgathering organization’s continued use of a Reserve Press Card(s) would involve an unreasonable risk to property or to the safety or welfare of specific individuals or the general public; or
(B) the newsgathering organization issues the Reserve Press Card to an individual who does not meet all criteria set forth in paragraph (h) of 43 RCNY § 16-04.
v. Period of suspension.
(A) The hearing officer will consider the following factors in determining the length of a suspension:
1. whether misconduct actually occurred;
2. the seriousness of any misconduct;
3. the risk that the press credential holder will engage in future misconduct or, in the case of a Reserve Press Card, the Reserve Press Card authorized user will engage in future misconduct;
4. the press credential holder's history of suspensions or a prior revocation, if any; and
5. any other factors raised by the parties at the hearing.
(B) The maximum length of a suspension shall be no more than six (6) months, except that if the suspension resulted from a lawful arrest or indictment based on the press credential holder's or Reserve Press Card authorized user's commission of a misdemeanor or felony, then the length of the suspension may be extended until resolution of the criminal proceedings, and, if an arrest results in a conviction or guilty plea, then the length of the suspension shall be the period of imprisonment that results from the conviction or guilty plea or six months, whichever is greater.
vi. Press credentials during suspension. If a Standard Press Card or a Single Event Press Card is suspended, the Standard Press Card holder or Single Event Press Card holder may not obtain or use a press credential during the period of suspension.
vii. Expiration during suspension. If a press credential expires during suspension, the press credential holder may not apply for a new press credential until the period of suspension is complete.
(c) Revocation.
i. Right to a hearing. MOME is the only agency authorized to revoke a press credential. A press credential may not be revoked by MOME prior to a hearing and a determination that a revocation is proper based on the criteria set forth in paragraph (iii) of this subdivision. Upon MOME's determination that a press card was seized by an agency, office, official, or employee of the City of New York in violation of this paragraph, MOME shall promptly replace the press card.
ii. Procedure and burden of proof. The hearing will be held before the adjudicatory body authorized to conduct trials at OATH, in accordance with Section 1046 of the City Charter and Title 48 of the Rules of the City of New York; provided, however, that consistent with subdivision (f) of § 3-119.4 of the New York City Administrative Code, the applicable burden of proof for a revocation of a press credential is clear and convincing evidence.
iii. Criteria. One or more of the following criteria must be met to justify the revocation of a press credential. The Standard Press Card holder, Single Event Press Card holder or the Reserve Press Card holder:
(A) made a misrepresentation or a made a material error or omission in the press credential application which, if known by MOME at the time of application, would have justified a denial; or
(B) had two or more suspensions of a press credential within that credential's two-year cycle; or
(C) used a press credential during a period of suspension or revocation; or
(D) the Press Card holder's continued possession of a press credential creates an unreasonable risk to property or to the safety or welfare of specific individuals or the general public that cannot be resolved by a suspension.
iv. If a press credential is revoked, the press credential holder may not re-apply for a new press credential until one year after the date of the written decision to revoke the press credential.
v. Press credentials during revocation. If a press credential is revoked, the press credential holder may not obtain or use a press credential during the period of revocation.
(Added City Record 12/20/2021, eff. 1/19/2022; amended City Record 2/11/2025, eff. 3/13/2025)