Information for Journalists Office Home About Us Information for Journalists HomeOffice of Press Operations ...Information for Journalists hide Information for Journalists Subscribe The Office of Press Operations responds to queries and interview requests from journalists related to U.S. foreign policy, and coordinates press briefings and media events. Submit a Media Inquiry Request a Media Interview Hours of Operation 8:15 am – 5:00 pm Monday through Friday A Press Duty Officer monitors media inquiries Monday through Friday until 9:00 pm and Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm. Access to Media Events Accredited journalists and technicians are welcome to attend open press events in the Department. Along with an official government photo identification (i.e., U.S. driver’s license or passport), they will need to present one of the following as identification: A U.S. Government-issued photo media credential (e.g., White House, Department of Defense, Foreign Press Center, Congress), or An official photo identification card issued by their news organization, or A letter from their employer on official letterhead verifying their current employment as a journalist. Non-hard pass holders wishing to attend the Department Press Briefing or cover an open press event may enter/exit through the 23rd Street lobby on regular work days, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. They will be cleared through security at the 23rd Street lobby and issued a day pass by a uniformed Protective Service Officer, valid for that day only. Day pass holders have unescorted access to the second floor – the Office of Press Relations (2109), the Press Briefing Room (2209), the Correspondents’ Room (2310) and the Mezzanine balcony (east and west sides). If an event is to be held elsewhere in the building, all press will be escorted by Department employees. The badge must be turned in upon departure. The 23rd Street lobby is the primary pick-up point for escort to events. Outside the 8:00 am – 4:00 pm hours, the pick-up point is typically the C Street lobby. Day pass holders do not have access via C Street, unless with pre-arranged escort by a Department employee for an interview or event. All camera set-up times and pick-up times will be posted in the Daily Public Schedule online. The Office of Press Operations may recommend that Diplomatic Security issue a long-term “hard” building pass to journalists and media technicians who demonstrate a frequent need to be in the State Department. Please submit a request via the Media Inquiry form (above), if you wish to be considered for a hard pass. You will receive confirmation and further details if approved. The application process is by appointment only on Wednesdays and must be completed in the Press Office, Room 2109, Harry S. Truman Building.
