Journalist Guidelines
Thank you for your interest in Austin. The goal of the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau is to assist journalists in developing itineraries and to facilitate visits to attractions, cultural venues and other points of interest they will cover in their articles, books and broadcasts.
We receive a considerable number of requests from journalists seeking legitimate media privileges. To most effectively meet your editorial, photographic and/or broadcast needs, we ask your cooperation in following these guidelines:
- We request a minimum of three business weeks notice for a press visit once we have received all your credentialing information. This allows us to pursue suitable, available lodging and make other arrangements to enhance your visit.
- Complete the attached media trip request form.
- Mandatory for assistance: Fax, mail or email a letter of assignment on letterhead from the media outlet you are representing. These credentials help us qualify if Austin is a perfect travel destination for your publication. If demographics, circulation and other factors match our criteria we will be glad to help you secure a discounted media rate at an area hotel. Email media@austintexas.org or fax: 512-583-7282
- Freelance journalists should forward recent examples of travel or travel-related feature coverage. Documentation can be in the form of print clips with your byline or a DVD, VHS or cassette sample of coverage you have previously produced.
- Immediately notify the Austin CVB of a change in plans.
- To remain on our preferred media list, please forward an original copy of your published feature, CD, DVD or VHS tape, as well as air dates, within 12 months of your visit to Austin.
Please note that complimentary arrangements are provided at the discretion of the host businesses and are subject to availability. Black-out periods may be experienced throughout the year that may affect the possibility of press rates at hotels. In particular, we cannot offer assistance with discounted accommodations during SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival or University of Texas home football games. The Austin CVB cannot provide airfare for your trip nor pay for ground transportation, accommodations or meals when not accompanied by an ACVB staff member.
Please understand that our primary concern is assisting members of the working media. Host locations are not always able to accommodate spouses, children and visitors accompanying working journalists. ACVB policy prohibits the hosting of journalists if the primary purpose of the trip is leisure or holiday travel for that individual with family and/or friends.
Again, thank you for your interest in the Austin area. We look forward to assisting you in your research.
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