How to Get Media Credentials for Gospel Music Association Week

Are you an aspiring journalist in the field of Christian music? If so, then attending Gospel Music Association Week, otherwise known as GMA Music Week, is a must. In order to interview the artists that week, you must have media credentials. The process for application is not difficult, but it does require pre-planning to establish you as a legitimate journalist.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Internet Access
• Printer
• Fax machine

How to Get Media Credentials for Gospel Music Association Week

1. Determine if you can afford attending GMA Music Week. If you receive media credentials, you don't have to pay to get into GMA; but unless your publication covers expenses, you'll have to foot other expenses yourself. If you live near Nashville, Tennessee, the daily commute won't be a problem, in which case, you should budget for gas and food. If you don't live within driving distance, you will need to budget for travel, hotel and meals.

2. Establish yourself as a Christian music journalist. You don't have to write for a big publication or make lots of money, but you do need to write consistently for publications or websites that promote Christian music. This is where writing for little or no payment will help you break into the field in order to establish yourself.

3. Contact your editor in January and explain that you are interested in attending GMA Music Week. Ask if they are interested in having you write articles about the event or profiles from interviews with the artists. Explain that the application process will open soon and you will need to list them as a contact for assignments. You will need to know their circulation numbers for publications or hits for web sites for the application.

4. Check out the press-room page at the Gospel Music Association website in order to see when media applications are available. Although it is always in April, the dates for GMA Music Week vary from year to year. As a result, the time applications are available also varies.

5. Print up the application for media credentials when they are available. Although it is not a lengthy document, it is important that you fill it out completely. Fax the completed document to the number listed. The application will state when the deadline for application; it is a good idea to submit it early.

6. You will receive an email confirmation of your approval for GMA Music Week media credentials. Create a folder on your computer and save this email to it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to attend GMA Music Week as a freelance journalist, the more publications and website you write for the better your application will look.
• Credentials for Gospel Music Association Week does not include credentials for The Gospel Music (Dove) Awards. That requires a separate application.
• Once you submit your application, resist the temptation to call the GMA office and ask if you have been approved. They will notify you as soon as your application is processed. The only time you should contact them is if you think there was a glitch while faxing your application or you discover you can't attend Gospel Music Association Week.

Resources

• Press credentials page for GMA Music Week.