PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games

The IOC has established a quota of “E” (press) accreditations for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games which will be distributed by National Olympic Committees (NOC) to press organisations in their country.

The total quota has been set at 3,000 the same figure that was set for Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014.

Press accreditation for the Olympic Games is allocated only to media professionals.

Written and photographic press wishing to apply for accreditation for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games should contact the National Olympic Committee in the country in which their organisation is based. Click here for the contact details of your NOC.The accreditation process for non rights holding radio/television organisations will be managed directly by the IOC. Further details on this process can be found here.

The allocation of press accreditations within a country is the responsibility of the National Olympic Committees. It is not the responsibility of the International Olympic Committee or the PyeongChang 2018 Organising Committee.

The press accreditation process for PyeongChang 2018 will officially start in June 2016 when the IOC will officially notify all National Olympic Committees (NOCs) of their press accreditation quota allocations.

IMPORTANT KEY DATES

Please see below the description for each press accreditation category:

Applications for ENR accreditation for non-rights holding television and radio broadcasting organisations to cover the Olympic Games in PyeongChang in 2018 will be available on the IOC website www.olympic.org/accred2018 between 10 October and 15 November 2016.

ENR organisations have the full responsibility to apply to the IOC for accreditation within the required period.  Applications will close on 15 November 2016 and late applications will not be considered.  The IOC will notify all applicants (successful and unsuccessful) towards the end of January 2017. 

Before receiving an ENR accreditation, non-rights holding broadcasting organisations must indicate their acceptance of the Television and Radio News Access Rules for the Olympic Games in PyeongChang by signing an undertaking in advance.  Without the signed undertaking, accreditation will not be granted.

Successful applicants for ENR accreditation will have access to the Press by Name accreditation forms, Media Guide, Accommodation Guide, Rate Card and Freight and Shipping Guide via the PyeongChang Extranet and the key timelines above will apply.

The IOC directly manages the ENR accreditation process and any further questions can be directed to media.operations@olympic.org

I am a Korean journalist/photographer. How do I apply for accreditation?

Accreditation for media organisations based in Korea is allocated by the Korean Olympic Committee and your organisation should contact them at koc@sports.or.kr not the PyeongChang 2018 Organising Committee.

For all journalists working abroad for example in a bureau, but your organisation is based in another country, then accreditation must be requested by your head office from the NOC of the country in which the organisation is based

Do I need to apply for a visa if I am accredited for the Olympic Games in PyeongChang?

If you are granted media accreditation you will receive an Olympic Identity and Accreditation Card (OIAC) before the Games.  This will serve as your visa into Korea.

How can I find accommodation in Korea?

If your press accreditation is confirmed, the PyeongChang Organising Committee for the Olympic Games will send you a media accommodation guide detailing the accommodation options that are available for accredited media only.  Deadlines apply for reserving accommodation.

Do you provide accreditation for new media or Internet organisations?

The IOC has accepted the accreditation of Internet and new media organisations since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.  They are included in the NOC quotas and the same professional standards apply for all applicants.  Internet and new media organisations interested in accreditation for PyeongChang 2018 should contact their National Olympic Committee.

What are News Access Rules?

News Access Rules apply to television and radio broadcasting by non-rights holding broadcast organisations (ENRs). Accredited ENRs can access all competition venues and the Main Press Centre, but under specific conditions as outlined in the News Access Rules.

News Access Rules are designed to protect the exclusivity of broadcasters who have paid for rights, while permitting fair access for ENRs to broadcast news highlights for news purposes. The News Access Rules clearly outline the rules that apply to coverage by ENR organisations, as well as venue access rules and restrictions within the Host City.

If your organisation is granted ENR accreditation, it is obliged to sign an Undertaking on behalf of the organisation and all persons accredited by the organisation to abide by the News Access Rules.

If I am granted a non-rights holding ENR accreditation, am I allowed to film in Olympic Venues?

Non-rights holders are not allowed to take professional video equipment into Olympic Venues or from filming, recording or broadcasting from within Olympic Venues as outlined in the News Access Rules.  Accredited non-rights holders are permitted to take and use professional video equipment into the Main Press Centre (MPC) and may broadcast, via the Internet, all or portions of press conferences that take place in the MPC, without territorial restrictions, provided there is a delay of thirty minutes from the conclusion of the press conference.

What are High Demand Events?

When media numbers exceed the seating capacity of the venue media facilities, typically the Opening and Closing ceremonies, the finals sessions of swimming and other specific events or competition sessions, these ‘High Demand Events’ will be ticketed for the written and photographic press.  The allocation and distribution of tickets to the press for High Demand Events is implemented by IOC Media Operations and is administered through the IOC Media Operations Ticketing Office located at the Main Press Centre.  The IOC distributes the high demand event tickets to nominated delegates from the National Olympic Committees who are responsible for the allocation of tickets.  The specific events that will be ticketed will be announced closer to the Games.

As a non-rights holder, will I have access to all events?

ENR holders do not qualify for tickets for high demand events, including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

Are accreditations transferable?

Accreditations are not transferable and can only be issued to one person to cover the Games. 

How do I find out more about the facilities and services available to the press at the PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games?

Further information will be available on PyeongChang’s extranet shortly