Newsroom (Blue)

Description

NEWSROOM – Journalist BLUE Card

Function:
Non-editorial staff supporting the production and delivery of journalism.

Color:
Blue

Symbolism:
Blue is calm, constant, and essential — like the sea and sky that surround everything. It represents those who operate behind the scenes: the fixers, tech teams, legal minds, and logistics staff who make journalism possible but rarely seek the spotlight. This card honours their quiet professionalism and critical role in keeping the editorial machine running.

Typical Cardholders:

• Fixers who handle permits, travel, or on-the-ground logistics
• Translators working alongside reporters in the field
• Legal advisors protecting journalist rights or navigating defamation risks
• Web developers and admins maintaining media platforms
• IT and cybersecurity personnel safeguarding journalist data
• Accountants managing freelancer payments or newsroom budgets
• Editorial coordinators scheduling teams or stories
• HR staff responsible for onboarding or safety protocols
• Communications officers liaising with media or interviewees
• Social media assistants or schedulers
• DTP/layout designers for print editions
• Receptionists or frontline staff in press offices
• Field producers managing logistics (without editorial control)
• Content creators with defined support roles (e.g. video editing)
• Verification editors and fact-checking leads

Editorial Definition:
Blue cardholders do not create editorial content or make editorial decisions, but they play a vital support role in the journalism ecosystem. Their work enables editorial output — often in dangerous or high-pressure environments — and deserves recognition, accreditation, and a defined place within the system.

Editorial Privileges:
Newsroom cardholders do not hold editorial privileges, but may be eligible for certain forms of logistical access when supporting verified editorial teams:

• ❌ No access to courtrooms, press conferences, or briefings on editorial grounds
• ❌ Not eligible to apply for press passes independently
• ❌ No authority to liaise with officials on editorial matters
• ❌ No access to embargoed materials or exclusive interviews
• ❌ Not eligible for editorial content licensing, opinion pieces, or restricted protest zones
• ⚠️ Conditional access may be granted when assisting a Gold or Platinum cardholder, particularly in conflict zones, field assignments, or protected areas (case-by-case basis)
• ⚠️ Conditional recognition by embassies, consulates, or insurance agents, depending on proof of support role
• ⚠️ Conditional access to discounted travel, HR/crew insurance, and safety documentation

(Source: “Editorial Privileges by Press Card Category” matrix, page 1)Editorial_Privileges_Pr…

Cardholder Responsibility:
Although Newsroom cardholders are not editorial, their integrity and coordination are crucial:
▶️ They must ensure that their support role is clearly documented and conducted in collaboration with accredited editorial teams.
▶️ Their newsX directory profile must accurately reflect their position and duties so that any access requests tied to their work can be verified swiftly and professionally.

This card is a mark of operational trust — essential but editorially neutral.