2012 RNC and DNC Conventions Application Instructions and Forms

All applications for  work space, sky boxes and stand-up positions must be completed and submitted by February 1, 2012. Even if you have not yet finalized your coverage plans for the conventions, apply now. It is possible to make changes after this deadline. However, no new applications for work space or broadcast space will be accepted after that date. Housing requests are handled by the RNC and DNC Media Logistics offices.

Applications for  credentials only must be submitted by April 15, 2012.

Absolutely no accreditation will be done at either convention site unless you have applied prior to the deadline and been approved.

Only bona fide news gathering organizations who report and distribute news using audio and/or video transmission may apply to the Gallery for credentials. If you do not meet our  criteria , please contact the  RNC or  DNC Convention offices directly.

Examples of domestic or foreign organizations meeting our  criteria :

• Television stations or networks


• Radio stations or networks


• News programs


• Internet news organizations utilizing audio and/or video

Examples of organizations that do  not meet our criteria:

• College, high school or other student stations or programs


• Production houses


• Satellite providers


• Public access stations


• Any audio or video group that does not provide news programming

Daily newspapers, wire services and other daily publications should apply through the  Senate Daily Press Gallery .

Magazines, newsletters and non-daily newspapers should apply through the  Senate Periodical Press Gallery .

Still photographers should apply through the  Senate Press Photographers' Gallery .

Organizations are responsible for all credentials issued to them and for the actions taken by anyone holding their credentials. In the event of unprofessional or inappropriate behavior, access to the convention complex may be subject to review.

How to Fill Out the Application

An initial application must be completed by one designated person from each organization. Organizations—not individuals—are approved for credentials at this stage in the process.

The application forms are designed to be filled out exclusively online. After you have submitted your form, you will be presented with a copy of your information that can be printed out. You will also receive a confirmation email that we have received your application. This email will simply confirm that we have received your application. Notification regarding approval of your request will come at a later date.

There are three different applications forms. An organization needs to fill out only  one of the following three (even if your coverage plans are different at each convention):

Application A covers the basic credential that all personnel will need in order to cover either of the two conventions and is for  credentials only . If you plan to file your reports from the Press Filing Center provided at each site or from a location other than the convention complex, this is the form you will need to fill out.

Application B is for  credentials and work space requests , which will consist largely of space outside of each convention facility and space for specific broadcast purposes inside the two venues. Application B breaks down specific requests into five categories: Work Space in two different locations, Radio News Broadcast Seats, Radio Talk Show Row and Trailer and Truck requests. Requests for specific work space locations within the respective facilities will come later in the process.

Application C is for  credentials, work space, and sky box and stand-up position requests and is ONLY for organizations who have major needs and budgets to provide for such live coverage. We will request a list of the organizations with which you are working at a later date. Requests for specific sky boxes and stand-up locations will occur at a future meeting. You will be notified if you are approved for a sky box or stand-up position later in the process.

After you apply, you will be notified by email that we have received your application. If you have not heard from our office within a week of submitting your application online, feel free to call us at (202) 225-5214 or email at rtvconventions2012@mail.house.gov . We will be processing over 5,000 credential requests from hundreds of organizations, so please be patient.

If you have applied for work space, sky boxes and/or stand-up positions, you will hear from us concerning your specific request during March or April.

All Credentials Will Be Distributed On Site

To pick up your credentials, you will receive a confirmation of accreditation approximately one month before the first convention stating the number of credentials you may pick up and the time and location for distribution. If you are applying to cover both conventions, you will receive two separate confirmations — one for each convention. It is your responsibility to bring the proper confirmation and any required identification or documentation to the appropriate venue.

Application Forms

• Application A -- DEADLINE CLOSED ON APRIL 15


• Application B -- DEADLINE CLOSED ON FEBRUARY 1


• Application C -- DEADLINE CLOSED ON FEBRUARY 1

House Radio-Television Correspondents’ Gallery | H-320, The Capitol | Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202-225-5214 | E-Mail:  radiotv@mail.house.gov |  Follow @HouseR

!   GOOO ICPA!!  I like the part about bona fide news gathering organizations!       G'day all!