How to Get a Press Pass for Obama's Inauguration

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By David Sarokin
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Press Pass for Obama's Inauguration

Barack Obama will be sworn in as President on January 20, 2009. A limited number of media credentials, commonly known as press passes, are available for this historic event. Here's how to apply for one.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Get familiar with the process. Press passes for Obama's swearing-in are being issued by the Senate Media Office. Media credentials for other inaugural activities, such as the inaugural parade, inaugural balls, and access to the Obama White House will be handled by the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC). Separate applications should be made to the Senate and the PIC. There are different application procedures for different types of media: electronic media (news websites, bloggers, email newsletters), daily print media (newspapers, newsletters); periodical media, broadcast media (radio and television), photographers, etc.
Step 2

Visit the website of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (see Resources, below, for a direct link to the media page). This site will explain the press credential process, and provide links to the appropriate application.
Step 3

Avoid spurious applications. In order to be considered for an inauguration press pass, you need to be an actual member of the press, which generally entails making a living from journalism work. In other words, making an occasional blog post won't cut it, though full-time bloggers may be considered. The Joint Committee website provides full details on who is eligible.
Step 4

Stay tuned. The details for press access to other inaugural events will be announced by the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) sometime before the inauguration. These will be separate passes from those issued by the Senate, and a separate application process as well.
Step 5

See Resources, directly below, for links to the sites mentioned. Also check the 'Related Articles' and 'More Articles Like This' features elsewhere on this page.