Journalists TOS

Terms of Service for Accredited Journalists

Last updated: 1 December 2025

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) set out the conditions under which journalists and media professionals (“you”) are granted access to the British Democratic Alliance (“BDA”, “we”, “us”, “our”) press and information services.

By applying for, accepting, or using an Approved Journalist account or any related access we provide, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must not apply for, or must immediately cease using, your BDA journalist access.

1. Purpose of the scheme

1.1 The BDA journalist scheme exists to:

  • provide timely, accurate information to professional journalists and media organisations;

  • facilitate fair and responsible reporting on BDA policies, activities and representatives; and

  • create secure channels for background and off-the-record briefings where appropriate.

1.2 The scheme is not a general membership product and does not confer any voting rights, internal decision-making powers, or endorsement by the BDA.

2. Eligibility and registration

2.1 To apply for access you must be one of the following:

  • a journalist, producer, editor or researcher employed by, or under contract to, a recognised media organisation; or

  • a freelance journalist with a demonstrable track record of publication in recognised media; or

  • a media professional working in documentary, factual programming, or similar public-interest work.

2.2 We may request evidence of your status, which may include (for example):

  • NUJ or equivalent union card;

  • press card issued by a recognised body;

  • contract or commissioning letter;

  • recent published work clearly identifying you as author or producer.

2.3 You agree that all information supplied in your application is true, accurate and complete to the best of your knowledge.

2.4 We reserve the right to accept or reject any application at our sole discretion, without obligation to provide reasons.

3. Nature of access

3.1 Subject to these Terms, approved journalists may receive:

  • access to journalist-only sections of our website or platforms;

  • press releases, advance copies of key publications and statements;

  • invitations to press briefings, interviews and events;

  • background material and, where expressly agreed, off-the-record context.

3.2 Access is personal to you. You must not:

  • share your login details, invitation codes or access links with others;

  • allow colleagues or third parties to use your account;

  • resell, sub-license or otherwise commercialise access.

3.3 We may limit, suspend or withdraw access at any time if we believe these Terms have been breached, or for operational or security reasons.

4. Security and unique access codes

4.1 You must keep your password, journalist ID, and any unique access or invitation codes confidential.

4.2 If you believe your account or code has been compromised, you must notify us immediately so that we can revoke and re-issue credentials.

4.3 You remain responsible for any activity carried out using your account or codes until we have had a reasonable opportunity to act on your notification.

5. Use of BDA material

5.1 Unless otherwise indicated in writing, you may:

  • quote from BDA press releases, official publications and on-the-record statements;

  • reproduce our words and policy positions for the purposes of fair, accurate reporting and analysis.

5.2 You must not:

  • deliberately misrepresent, shorten or edit material in a way that materially alters its meaning or context;

  • present satirical or fictional material as fact;

  • imply BDA endorsement of any product, service or unrelated organisation.

5.3 Attribution:

  • Quotes from named spokespeople should be attributed by name and BDA role where provided.

  • Generic statements may be attributed to “British Democratic Alliance” or “a BDA spokesperson”.

6. Embargoes, off-the-record and background briefings

6.1 Where material is supplied under embargo, you agree not to publish or circulate it before the stated embargo time and date.

6.2 Where content is supplied explicitly as off the record, you must not publish or attribute it. Off-the-record material is supplied solely to improve your understanding and context.

6.3 Where content is described as on background, you may use the information but should not directly attribute it to a named individual, unless we explicitly agree otherwise.

6.4 Any breach of embargo, off-the-record or background conditions may result in immediate withdrawal of access.

7. Conduct and interaction

7.1 You agree to engage with BDA staff, volunteers and representatives professionally and respectfully, including at online and in-person events.

7.2 Harassment, abuse, intimidation, discriminatory behaviour or any form of threatening conduct towards BDA personnel or other attendees will not be tolerated and may result in removal from events and permanent revocation of access.

7.3 Recording (audio, video or photographic) at BDA events may be:

  • permitted, restricted or prohibited, depending on the nature of the event;

  • subject to specific instructions given in advance or on the day.

Where recording is restricted or prohibited, we ask you to respectfully comply fully with our request.

8. Use of BDA name, logo and branding

8.1 The BDA name, logo, stag emblem and associated branding are protected. You may use them only:

  • when reproducing official materials we have issued; or

  • in news reporting, commentary or academic analysis where such use is incidental and not misleading.

8.2 You must not:

  • alter or distort the logo;

  • use our branding in a way that suggests BDA sponsorship, endorsement or partnership unless expressly agreed in writing.

9. Data protection and privacy

9.1 We will process your personal data in accordance with applicable data protection law and our Privacy Notice.

9.2 By applying for journalist access, you consent to us storing and using your details for:

  • verifying your identity and eligibility;

  • managing your account and access rights;

  • sending press releases, statements and relevant communications;

  • event administration and security.

9.3 You may update your details or request deletion of your journalist account by contacting us. Deletion of your account will normally terminate access to journalist-only services.

10. Suspension and termination

10.1 We may suspend or terminate your access immediately if:

  • you breach these Terms;

  • we reasonably believe your continued access poses a security or reputational risk;

  • you repeatedly publish materially inaccurate information about the BDA, our members, staff, representatives, elected officials or policies after being notified of the error;

  • you misuse credentials, invitation codes or restricted material.

10.2 We may also withdraw the scheme or modify access generally for operational, legal or security reasons. We will normally give reasonable notice where practicable.

10.3 Termination of access does not affect any rights or obligations accrued before the date of termination.

11. General Journalistic Criticisms

11.1
The BDA recognises that accredited journalists may, at times, disagree with our policies, decisions, public statements, or the actions of our elected officials, representatives, or staff. Constructive critique and democratic scrutiny are essential elements of a free society, and we welcome fair and reasoned examination.

11.2
To maintain professional integrity, transparency, and public trust, we ask that all criticism or commentary adheres to the following principles:

(a) Focus criticisms on the policy, decision, statement, or action in question, not the personality or character of the individual involved.

(b) Present concerns factually and clearly, identifying the specific policy, decision, or action being questioned without the use of sensationalism, speculation, or personalisation.

(c) Maintain impartiality and professional detachment in all reporting relating to the BDA. Commentary should aim to inform the public with clarity and accuracy, free from emotive language or framing that may distort the issue.

(d) Where the BDA provides a response, clarification, or correction to your reporting, we request that such information be conveyed to the public in the same impartial, fair, and proportionate manner as the original criticism.

11.3
These expectations are not designed to limit journalistic freedom, opinion, or editorial independence. Rather, they exist to ensure that all reporting—critical or otherwise—upholds basic standards of accuracy, balance, and professional conduct consistent with the public interest.

12. Corrections and right of reply

12.1 If we believe your reporting based on BDA material is materially inaccurate or misleading, we may:

  • request a correction, clarification or right of reply; and/or

  • provide additional information to correct the record.

11.2 You are not under an obligation to agree with our position, but you agree to consider correction requests in good faith, in line with the editorial standards of your organisation.

13. No guarantee of access or content

13.1 We do not guarantee:

  • that any particular event, interview or briefing will be offered to you;

  • continuous or uninterrupted availability of our press systems;

  • that we will respond to all queries or requests for comment.

13.2 Access is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we exclude all implied warranties regarding availability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.

14. Changes to these Terms

14.1 We may update these Terms from time to time. The latest version will always be published on our website.

14.2 Where changes are material, we will take reasonable steps to notify active journalist account holders (for example by email). Continued use of your account after changes take effect will constitute acceptance of the updated Terms.

15. Governing law and jurisdiction

15.1 These Terms, and any dispute arising from or related to them, are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

15.2 The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction, without prejudice to any mandatory rights you may have under local law.

16. Acceptance

By applying for, activating, or continuing to use your Approved Journalist access, you confirm that:

  • you have read and understood these Terms;

  • you agree to be bound by them; and

  • where you act on behalf of an employer or commissioning body, you are authorised to do so.