Is your card a legitimate press card?

We have our own publication and would like to get press cards for our staff. Do you have such a program?

Do I have to be a published freelancer to get a card?

How well does your press card work?

Have a question?

Can I send a photo or signature for my press card by e-mail?

Yes you can. If you want to have a photo and/or a signature on your press card the fastest way to provide it is to attach it to an e-mail and e-mail it to our special address photos@cnsus.org. Because of the risk of viruses and other destructive attachments and space limitations there are restrictions on what types of files we can accept electronically. We can except photos that are saved as JPegs (.jpg or .jpeg) and signatures that are saved as Portable Network Graphics (.png) or Windows Bitmap (.bmp). We prefer signatures that are saved as Portable Network Graphics (.png) because of their smaller file size. Other file formats cannot be accepted.

It important to make sure each photo file is named to match the name on the press card, so we can match the photo to the proper order. If, for example, you ordered a press card for John R. Doe, the photo file should be named John R. Doe.jpg. The same applies to a signature. If you want a signature for a press card for John R. Doe the file should be named John R. Doe.bmp

If you can not send a photo or signature by e-mail you can mail both to City News Service P.O. Box 39 Willow Springs, MO 65793-0039. Be sure to clearly identify the photo and the signature.

Can I have my press card issued in the name of another publication?

How long are the press card issued for?

Press cards are issued to a first-time press card holder for a period of one year. After the first year, cards may be renewed up for up to five years at a reduced renewal rate.

How do I renew my press card?

Before your card expires we will send you a renewal e-mail, a renewal fax notice, or a notice by mail whichever you prefer. You can indicate your preference when you order your press card. A special password-protected area on our website is set aside for renewals at reduced rates. The special web address will be provided in your renewal notice.

If you change your e-mail address, your mailing address, or fax number is important that you let us know so we can contact you about renewing your press card.

Do you keep my photo and signature on file?

We keep your photo and signature on file. Keeping your photo and signature on file makes renewing your press card easier and faster. Both photos and signatures are, for security reasons, stored on an encrypted removable drive and kept in a secured location.

I reside in California, how is my card issued?

If you lived in California our press cards are issued in the name of our parent company, CNS Press LLC. You can also have cards issued in your own agency or publication name.

Can I use a free e-mail Address when I placed an order?

No. You must have an e-mail address provided by an Internet Service Provider) (ISP). This is an anti-fraud measure. Please be assured that we do not sell or trade your e-mail address and we will use it to communicate with you only as you request or concerning your order. You can use a free e-mail address is subscribe to our newsletter or to our update e-mail list.

How old do I have to be to get a press card?

We do not discriminate on the basis of age, however you must be of legal age to enter into a binding agreement, usually 18 years of age or older. In addition since most web orders are paid for by a credit card the person placing the order must be the holder of the credit card.

I want to use the press card to get into concerts for free, will it work?

If the only reason you want the press card is to try to get into a rock concert or other event for free, don't waste your time or money. Our press card is to help legitimate freelance writers and photographers. Promoters, event sponsors and agents tightly controlled access to events and to the stars they represent They want to see proof that you are a published writer or photographer in the field that you want to cover. The more well-known or popular a star or an event the greater the control on access.

If you are just starting out in a particular field you should concentrate your efforts on lesser known or new artists or events who are usually much more eager for coverage and access control is often not as tight. In those cases the press card can be beneficial in gaining access and in helping in your freelance work.

Is your card a legitimate press card?

Yes, our card is a legitimate press card. Our company has been publishing since 1969. Our press cards are issued to help freelancers in their work and our news service operates a syndication marketing service for freelance writers and photographers.

We have our own publication and would like to get press cards for our staff. Do you have such a program?

Yes we do. We offer discounts for multiple press cards for publication staff members. We can also include special logos on the press card for your publication. We currently offer multiple press card discounts, discounted vouchers and stepped purchase discount programs for publications that want to provide customized, laminated press cards to their staff reporters and photographers. Click HERE and we will send you information on each of our programs.

Do I have to be a published freelancer to get a card?

No but you do have to be a freelancer. Like every profession you have to start somewhere and often new freelancers need the most help in doing their work so we do not require that you first be published in order to obtain a press card. We do offer a special certificate program (click HERE for information) that does require that you be a published freelancer.

How well does your press card work?

That depends very much on what you need to accomplish in your freelance work and how you conduct yourself. We have many cardholders who have been with us for 20 plus years and use our card in their daily work. Other use their cards as an alternative to another press card or for only occasional freelance work. Its effectiveness is often tied to your professional conduct and demeanor.

Have a question?

If you have any question not covered in our FAQs, please submit it to us so we can consider including it in our FAQs. To submit a question click HERE .