This is the application page for editors and news directors who are submitting the names of several employees and freelancers for 2021 NJ Press ID Cards. This is only for news outlets that had cards in 2020. Otherwise apply here or contact Jane Primerano at njcard@njspj.org or (908) 399-4771.
For insurance and business reasons, everyone getting an NJ Press ID Card must become a member of the NJ Society of Professional Journalists (NJ-SPJ). The NJ Press Association (NJPA) is doing the same thing, but the two organizations operate a bit differently. The members of NJPA are publications and businesses. Our members are individual journalists.
This makes our application different in a few significant ways:
- If an individual in your organization had an NJPA Press Card in 2020, then we already have their headshot. If someone is new to your organization, then you must submit a headshot, following the instructions you will see.
- We MUST have an individual email address and mailing address for each person who receives a card. That is because each person is also joining NJ-SPJ and national SPJ. We prefer—but do not require—a home address and personal email. That’s because, our industry being what it is, jobs are sometimes moved or eliminated. SPJ offers many benefits and services if this happens; we do not wish to lose touch with our members when they may need us the most.
- For each person, you must choose one of the four membership categories that you will see. You can adjust the quantity in your shopping cart; even though some categories are free, the number of cards on your order must equal the number of memberships.
For $30, people will become a FULL member of NJ-SPJ, while becoming an Associate Member of national SPJ. This satisfies our insurance requirements and it represents a savings of $55. You will see options provided if some people are already SPJ and/or NJ-SPJ members. FYI…the quick math is that if you are ordering eight cards or fewer, we are less expensive. If you want more than eight cards, it may be cheaper for your company to apply to the NJPA for an associate membership.
- The NJ Broadcasters Association is paying all the fees for its members, including their NJ-SPJ membership. However, you must still provide email and address info for each person.
Your people can also apply individually at https://www.njspj.org/renewcard/ Please make sure that everyone lists the same “News Organization Name.”
Any questions? Please contact Jane Primerano at njcard@njspj.org or (908) 399-4771.
Who We are
We are the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists (NJ-SPJ), the local chapter of the national Society of Professional Journalists, founded in 1909. You can learn more about our recent activities here.
Legal: In 2021, no news organization will be issuing press credentials in direct cooperation with the state of New Jersey. NJ-SPJ is, however, participating with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) in a working group on press and law enforcement matters, much of which focuses on proper identification. The OAG has praised NJ-SPJ’s efforts in this. We have every reason expect that individuals displaying the NJ-SPJ Press Identification Card will receive the same usual and customary courtesies offered to the working press in past years. Please understand that we are not state actors and whatever courtesies are extended, or not, are solely determined by those extending them.
Fee: For legal and insurance reasons, you must become a member of NJ-SPJ to qualify for a card.
If you are familiar with SPJ, you know that dues are normally $75, plus $10 to join NJ-SPJ, which would be $85. We have some good news: Our national organization will now allow you to become a FULL MEMBER of NJ-SPJ while becoming an ASSOCIATE of national SPJ. That means new people can join NJ-SPJ for only $30. You can then renew your press ID card for $35, which includes a one-inch wide, reflective “PRESS” lanyard, which the Office of the Attorney General has asked us to provide.
There are many other benefits to membership, but let’s get on with the press ID application.
Application Information
We need to collect your professional information.
When you choose the products below, the order form will open and ask you for your contact information and where applicable, supporting documents. The Press ID will be valid through calendar year 2021.
Membership Fee. You MUST choose from the four membership categories below. You can choose more than one. You can adjust the quantity in your shopping cart. Even though some categories are free, the number of cards in your order must equal the number of memberships indicated below.
| NJ-SPJ Membership and national SPJ Associate Membership for $30 | 
$31.00Add to cart |
| Some of my people are already SPJ members and I will provide their membership numbers in the application. For each of those people, I am purchasing a membership in NJ-SPJ for $10. | 
$10.00Select options |
| Some of my people are already NJ-SPJ members and I have put “NJ-SPJ” in the membership number field. I understand that you have the roster. | $0.00Read more No purchase required |
| Our station is an NJ Broadcasters Association Member. The NJBA will cover the fees of our employees and freelancers. | $0.00Add to cart Click pay by invoice at checkout |
Now you pay for the Press ID Card (Click “Add to Cart” for each item you are ordering):
| Press ID card $35 (includes 1-inch reflective press lanyard, as recommended by NJ Attorney General’s Working Group)
Please fill out the form as indicated after you click the “Add to Cart” button. If you are applying for cards for multiple individuals, please return to this page and choose this product again to open a new form. We need complete contact information for each card ordered. |
 $35.00Read more |
| Visor Card $5.00 each
Please fill out the form as indicated after you click the “Add to Cart” button. If you are applying for cards for multiple individuals, please return to this page and choose this product again to open a new form. We need complete contact information for each card ordered. |
 $5.00Read more |
A non-refundable $4.80 processing and shipping fee will be added to each order. If your employer is paying for your membership, choose “Pay By Invoice” at checkout.
When you have finished adding items to your shopping cart, click here to go to the cart and check out.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
NJ-SPJ is part of the national Society of Professional Journalists, which regularly maintains and updates a Code of Ethics.
The SPJ Code of Ethics is a statement of abiding principles supported by additional explanations and position papers that address changing journalistic practices. It is not a set of rules, rather a guide that encourages all who engage in journalism to take responsibility for the information they provide, regardless of medium. The code should be read as a whole; individual principles should not be taken out of context. It is not, nor can it be under the First Amendment, legally enforceable.
NJ-SPJ requires that all who apply for the NJ-SPJ Press Identification Card read the SPJ Code of Ethics. As stated, it is not a set of hard rules and we encourage news organizations that examine and develop their own ethical codes.
The NJ Press ID card is the property of NJ-SPJ. NJ-SPJ reserves the right to withdraw the NJ Press ID Card from anyone who commits a gross violation of the spirit of SPJ’s ethics. The card may also be withdrawn for violations of law, such as trespassing, or for any other reason as determined at the sole discretion of the board of NJ-SPJ. In such instances, individuals are required to return their card to NJ-SPJ. NJ-SPJ will refund the individual’s card payment in full and, if requested, their membership fee. NJ-SPJ will, however, keep the processing and shipping fee. NJ-SPJ reserves the right to make changes to its terms of membership and the NJ Press ID program at any time and without prior notice.
NJ-SPJ is not liable for any incidental, consequential, direct or indirect (including but not limited to damages for loss of revenue, business interruption, expenses and the like) arising from the use, misuse and/or inability to use the NJ Press ID Card or any determinations regarding the issuance or revocation of the NJ Press ID Card.
You agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless NJ-SPJ, its officers, employees, directors, agents and contractors from and against all claims, losses, expenses, damages and costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, arising from any violation of this Agreement by you or any other person using/displaying the NJ Press Id card as well as any determinations regarding the issuance or revocation of the NJ Press ID Card.