PRESS CREDENTIALS

NYPD-issued press credentials are required for access to Times Square on New Year's Eve. Media with NYPD press or temporary press credentials may move through the emergency access lanes, subject to NYPD approval. Interviews may not be conducted in the emergency access lanes.   Interviews may be conducted at the rear or the sidewalk side of each viewing area but not in the emergency access lanes.   Interviews/filming may be suspended at any time by the NYPD due to safety concerns.

New Year's Eve Temporary Press Credentials

The Times Square Alliance will accept Temporary Press Credential applications on behalf of the NYPD for employees of news-gathering organizations wishing to cover the New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square. Temporary Press Credentials are only required for those members of the media who are NOT in possession of a current NYPD-issued Working Press Card or Press Identification Card. Reserve Cards will NOT be accepted.

Members of the media not in possession of a current NYPD-issued "Working Press Card" or "Press Identification Card" will be required to submit an application for a "Temporary Press Credential" if they desire to cover the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration.

To Apply:

Temporary Press Credential applications must include the following:

• A letter on company letterhead from applicant's Parent Organization, e.g. XYZ News, outlining your request for a temporary press credential.

You must include all available contact information, including e-mail. An application will be emailed or faxed to the address requested. The letter must indicate the name of each individual requiring credentials, including support personnel who must cross police lines, and their assignment for the evening.

Freelance personnel not assigned to one news gathering organization will be required to have the company by whom they have been hired submit a letter, on company letterhead, requesting they be granted an application for the event.

• Application is to be completed by each individual person covering the event (typed or printed).  Click here for an application.
• Application is to be certified by the Editor or News Director only.
• Two passport size photos (1.25" x 1.25") of the individual applicant with their name printed on the reverse side must accompany all applications.
• A copy of the applicant's identification, e.g. driver's license or passport, must accompany the application.

Note:

• The applicant must show a demonstrated need to cover the event, e.g. evidence that a news organization is interested in using the applicant's story or pictures.

• Applications will be accepted until noon on Friday, December 18, 2009. Applications WILL NOT be processed by the Times Square Alliance after this date.
• "Temporary Press Credentials" will not be mailed.

Applicant should send or messenger the application to:

The Times Square Alliance
Attn: Times Square Press Credentials
1560 Broadway, Suite 800
New York, NY 10036
Fax: (212) 768-0233
Email: mmartinez@timessquarenyc.org

Applicants will be notified as to whether or not the NYPD granted their temporary press credential requests via email on Thursday, December 24, 2009.  PLEASE DO NOT CALL AND REQUEST THIS INFORMATION BEFORE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24TH.

Dates for Credential pick-up will be Tuesday, December 29, 2009 between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Times Square Alliance office at 1560 Broadway, Suite 800 (entrance on 46th Street between 6th & 7th Avenue).

Note: These temporary credentials will NOT allow the bearer to gain access to the media riser. Access to the media riser requires a separate credential - click here for more info.