So you want to be a blogger at the Republican National Convention in September. Congratulations, you’re “special”.
That’s the term the RNC is giving “independent bloggers”… that is bloggers who aren’t employed by a legacy media company such as a TV station, newspaper or magazine.
If you happen to be a blogger for the legacy media, then the pathway to getting credentials is the same as in any year. You apply to the non-partisan Congressional media galleries. These galleries are run by the House of Representatives and are the folks who credential media for covering Congress. But if you’re “special” ( a weekly newspaper, independent blogger or college media) then you have to go through the Republican National Convention. And despite the RNC’s announcement that they want to include bloggers, they’ve indicated that conservative bloggers are going to get preference.
So how do you apply? Here are the details straight from the RNC’s “Fall Media Walk-Through” book:
The appropriate editor or news director of the organization should aply, in writing, on the organizations letterhead on behalf of the individual who wishes to cover the convention. A recent copy of the publication or online content featuring the work of the said reporter should be included with each letter.
Correspondence should be addressed to:
Special Press Credentials
2008 Republican National Convention
PO Box 75428
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55175
Application materials and any questions regarding the Special Press Credentials can also be submitted electronically to:
Special Press
(651) 467-2654
special_press@GOPConvention2008.com
Work Space
Those accredited with Special Press Credentials may use the Press Filing Center in the Saint Paul RiverCentre to file stories.
Seating
Special Press Seats will be assigned by the COA (That’s the RNC’s “Committee On Arrangements” )
Press Filing Center
The Press Filing Center serves the needs of media individuals and organizations that do not have assigned work space in the convention complex. Electrical outlets, tabled work stations and hookups for laptop and other portable computers will be available.
Application Dates and Deadlines
December 10 — online application is available via the House Radio/TV Website (my note… that’s for the legacy media, not the “special” bloggers)
February 1 - deadline for applying for work space and/or broadcast space (my note…again for the legacy media)
April 15 — deadline for applying for credentials
Internet Alley
A limited number of credentialed bloggers and media organizations with online, interactive operations will be able to showcase their convention coverage in what is known as Internet Alley, which will be located in the Saint Paul RiverCentre. (My note… the RiverCentre is next to the Xcel. You’re three flights of stairs and about 100 yards from the convention floor)
Organizations should apply for space in Internet Alley through the same entity they would apply for credentials and work space. (For example, an online component of a daily newspaper would apply for Internet Alley space through the Daily Press Gallery.) In applying for work space, media organizations should specify their separate requests for a presence in Internet Alley. COA will coordinate with the Networks and Congressional Galleries on allocation and assignment of spaces in this area.
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