This policy is approved by the N.C. State Fair Manager, N.C. State Fair Press Office Director and the N.C. Commissioner of Agriculture.

The reason for this policy is to:

• Accommodate working media quickly and efficiently.
• Assist fair personnel in quickly identifying reporters cleared for access and media privileges.
• Enable the media to enter the fairgrounds quickly.
• Properly respond to numerous requests for press passes.

Media passes will be distributed to media organizations before the start of the fair on Oct. 12, 2023. Media organizations will be given a pre-determined number of passes. Staff members are expected to share media passes for working assignments only.

It is the discretion of the Press Office to determine if passes are issued.

N.C. State Fair Media Passes are NOT FOR PERSONAL USE. Passes are to be used only by members of the working media. Organizations who abuse this policy will be removed from future credential lists. Children are not permitted to use passes and will not gain entry at the gate with a media pass.

Parking in the Media Lot is restricted to official "N.C. State Fair Media Parking Permit" holders only. Parking attendants will not accept a Press ID as a parking permit. Each news organization will receive at least one parking pass. Staff members are expected to share parking privileges, as parking spaces are limited.

Freelance Reporters and Photographers

Freelance reporters and photographers will not be issued press passes unless they submit proof of employment/contract with a news organization. This could include a letter from a news director, editor or similar authority. No business cards or bylined articles will be accepted. To expedite the process, the application and letter must be received by Friday, Sept. 23 . The letter must be on original media organization letterhead and include a phone number of proper contact at the news organization if further information and clarification are needed. Freelance reporters and photographers must re-submit this information each year.

Journalism Classes

Media passes are not available to high school and college journalism or photography classes. Passes are given to college newspaper staffs and are available to high school newspapers staffs on a case-by-case basis. An application must be submitted by the high school newspaper faculty advisor to be considered.

Bloggers and Social Media Influencers

Media passes are not available to bloggers or social media influencers. However, well-established content
creators for blogs and other online outlets such as social media may receive one-day tickets that help
facilitate coverage of the N.C. State Fair. Bloggers or influencers who do not receive tickets before the fair
may apply to be considered.

Thank you for your cooperation. We look forward to seeing you Oct. 12-22, 2023

2023 N.C. State Fair Application for media credentials

Completed applications can be mailed to 1001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1001, faxed to 919-733-5047 or emailed to Brandon Herring, brandon.herring@ncagr.gov