Almost no courts in the US have recognized "citizen" journalist, simply claiming you are press or a journalist doesn't mean you are. Claiming to be a member of

Almost no courts in the US have recognized "citizen" journalist, simply claiming you are press or a journalist doesn't mean you are. Claiming to be a member of the press is a bit of an odd thing, because they requirements for what is acceptable vary so greatly from one instance to the next. Some online agencies will send you a "press pass" for as little as writing a few articles on your own site, or publishing a pod cast. (these are about as valid as the service dog passes you get online) Meanwhile more traditional agencies will require you be employed by as a full time journalist and require the agency you are reporting for to submit on your behalf. In general the only people who are afforded reporter's privilege are media companies large enough to have lawyers versed in its nuance and able to defend it. And the only people consider press are those acting on behalf of a recognized and respected new agency.