Reggae Sumfest Website

Criteria for Media Accreditation Process

Summerfest Productions, welcomes reporters, journalists, news teams and production units to cover Reggae Sumfest 2010.  We want to ensure that those with accreditation are treated as professionals, and to that end, we are seeking to confirm that everyone with a media pass is indeed a working journalist, media professional, or technical support staff member representing a bona fide media organization. Accreditation will only be given to individuals with a proven track record of reporting. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decisions of Summerfest Productions are final. Summerfest Productions reserves the right to deny or withdraw accreditation of journalists who abuse the privileges so extended, or put the accreditation to improper use, or act in a way not consistent with the principles of organizers of the event.

Persons to be considered for accreditation include:

  1. Members of Established Local & International Media Houses
  2. An individual holding a letter of assignment on the official letterhead of a media organization signed by the publisher/assignment editor or bureau chief, specifying the name and functional title of the journalist, and the period for which accreditation is being sought.

Major media outlets should limit their accreditation requests to four individual media passes. Smaller media outlets will be limited to two passes. Consideration may be given for additional requests, however these cannot be guaranteed. Media outlets doing live broadcasts from the event will also be given passes for assigned crew members.

Freelance Journalists and Photographers
An individual commissioned by an established local or foreign media house who is deemed to have similar qualifications and entitlements as reporters and photographers employed by said media house. This individual will be accredited only if they have a letter of interest from the senior editor of the media outlet. The editor need not commit to the freelancer but should provide an indication that they will consider the story idea or ideas.

APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING WITH THEIR APPLICATIONS:

Journalists/writers
Data files  of at least two articles related to Reggae Sumfest or similar event that have been published within the last two years. Report must show credits and byline

Radio & Television reporters/ presenters
DVD/audio files of at least two broadcasts or reports of Reggae Sumfest or other similar event

Photographers
Photographers & Videographers must be accredited as well, but there will be limits placed of the number of photographers who will be allowed access to on stage and back stage areas.  Preference will be given to major news organizations and individuals with a proven track record for covering previous Reggae Sumfests or similar events.  File copies of photographs along with copies of the articles or features in which the photographes were published must be submitted with the application.  At the end of the event, all accredited photographers will be required to provide Summerfest Productions with thumbnail copies of the photographs taken at the festival and related events, on CD or DVD. In addition to the above relevant data regarding the size and type of the audience as well as reach and distribution of the media, must be submitted by all new and non-national media outlets.

Online media Representative
An individual who belongs to a web publication that is a registered company, such as a media organization, and which has a specific, verifiable non-web address and a telephone number.  If the web site is new, the applicant seeking accreditation must provide the latest data on the site's visitors or other relevant material about the outlet's audience.


Accrediation Process
To facilitate coverage of the event, accredited media will be issued passes that will allow free access to the event for a prescribed period.   The following steps outline the procedures :
1.    Submit your Media Accreditation application form along with letter of assignment no later than June 18, 2010.  Persons applying for accreditation outside of this period will not be guaranteed a pass.
2.    Submit your proof of coverage of previous Sumfest or similar event along with your application.  Without this proof you will not be granted accreditation.
3.    Submit a recent passport sized photograph of yourself.  (Files must be at least 200 dpi jpeg format.)
4.    Once an application for accreditation has been received and approved you will receive a confirmation email advising of the type of pass allocated, your registration badge number, the issuance date and the place and time that the pass should be collected.  
5.    When collecting your pass, you must present the confirmation email showing your badge number along with a valid picture ID

Summerfest Productions  hopes that these guidelines will make it easier for media representatives to attain accreditation and to ensure a professional environment for all media covering this event.



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):


Q. Are there any restrictions on accreditation?

A. Media accreditation is only for coverage of the event, and does not constitute an endorsement for any other purpose. At any time, Summerfest Productions may revoke accreditation if it is put to improper use including:
•    if it is determined that the accreditation has not been used to cover the event.
•    if it has been used to abuse the privileges so extended
•    if personal or public conduct is not consistent with the best interest of Sumfest organisers.
The press pass must not be loaned to another person; security personnel will confiscate any pass in the possession of any individual to whom it was not issued!


Q. What should I do if my media ground pass is stolen or missing?

A. If your media pass is lost or stolen, you MUST immediately report it to the Media Resource Centre outlined above. You will be asked to complete the required forms after which you will be issued with a new pass. You must submit a new picture along with a valid ID in order to receive the new pass.  The original pass will become null and void and will not allow access to the venue or media centre.


Q. Where do I go to pick up my media ground pass?

A. Passes will be issued at the Media Resource centre in Montego Bay .


Q. What are the requirements for media accreditation?

A. A letter of assignment on letterhead from a bona fide media organization, signed and dated by an authorized person, stating the name and functions of the applicant; a completed Media Accreditation application form; a valid photo identification. Additional criteria are required for online media. (See section on Accreditation Requirements.)

Q. What should the letter of assignment contain?

A. The letter of assignment must be on letterhead and be addressed to the Media Resource Centre, Touchstone Productions Limited.  It must be signed by an authorized official (e.g., the publisher, assignment editor or bureau chief), of the media organization seeking accreditation.

Letters of assignment must specify the type of coverage, event or project assigned; the period of time for which accreditation is required; and the name and professional function(s) of the individual(s) to be assigned.


Q. What supporting materials are required?

A. Before granting accreditation, the Media Accreditation Centre requires two recent samples of professional broadcast or print products, or three recently published online articles by the online media applicant on matters relating to the event or similar type of event.




 

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