Sad but not surprised.

Isn’t Simi part of Ventura County?

Writer’s must understand that Press Passes offer less fettered access to dangerous and sensitive situations and LAPD is tasked with the protection of the privacy of the subjects, the preservation of any evidence, and the safety of the public, the press themselves as well as emergency personnel. L.A. is not Arkansas. Media outlets such as TMZ have contributed to the problem. Paparazzi are vying for less-restrictive access in order to sell an exclusive photo. The shear number of freelance journalists (many of which are amateur) has skyrocketed exponentially.

While refusal of a press pass from LAPD is frustrating, legitimate media outlets will eventually receive credentials if their journalists treat police personnel with respect and professionalism. Most legitimate outlets do not have their reporters hounding police departments repeatedly for credentials, Instead, a press credential liaison position will be created. The PCL will generate good will with the respective police agencies and work to facilitate the process of obtaining credentials and scheduling fingerprinting, etc. LAPD’s Media Relations Office is operated in a tiny office. When you consider the size of L.A. and a handful of people assigned to the office (and they have many other duties besides credentialing the press), brow-beating them will get you nowhere. Remember, your urgency is your problem, not theirs. They have a line of people in front of every new request.

Best of luck to all!

And that is why our system is so screwed up not just for press passes but in general. There is absolutely no communication between departments and no nationwide system in place for everyone to pull from.

I was and probably still am listed as a ‘professional’ - meaning press or affiliated with the movie or comic industry according to the San Diego Comic Con.

So was my mom.

My dh is not an accredited journalist but has worked as one both in online and print media.

He feels sometimes that the internet is it’s own worst enemy….what online is ‘real’ media and what isn’t.

Especially when two sites may both report news..but one is more corporate and one is personal.

The real world gets confused very easily and so I think your sort of situations occur.

He writes about movies and entertainment and struggled for years to earn any sort of recognition with studios etc - this struggle was made worse by the somewhat juvenile and fanboyish entertainment sites and writing that also exist.

Again, different issues than political news gathering for sure….but one more ‘growing’ pain in the evolution of online media and how it is viewed by the world.

As a blogger, I appreciate your efforts. As a member of the media in my past life, I feel your frustration.

You rock!