NMA Press Cards and Royal Rota Services

The News Media Association offers a variety of media facilities services to member publishers including issuing press cards to journalists, photographers and freelance newsgatherers and allocating passes for royal visits under the Royal Rota scheme.

The NMA is one of the UK Press Card Authority gatekeepers and issues press cards to journalists and photographers working for the national or regional press, continuing the work of the Newspaper Society and Newspaper Publishers Association in this area.

Similarly, the NMA issues passes to member publishers for events under the Royal Rota scheme which enables national and regional titles to access pooled pictures from royal events which happen across the UK.

The rota system was introduced due to space restrictions and security which mean it is rarely possible to allow all media who wish to cover a royal engagement equal access to the event. Passes are therefore allocated on the understanding that pass holders will share all material obtained, with other members of their sector who request it.

The NMA has allocated 21 passes to regional and national newspapers and wire agencies in the last week.