Press Room
Who we are
A professional body for journalists working online
As news moved online, the journalists doing the work often had no press card, no professional body and no collective voice. WJAI exists to fix that — verifying members, issuing recognised press ID, and standing behind digital journalists on the issues that affect their work.
- 01
Membership
Verified accreditation and a press ID/certificate for working digital and web journalists.
- 02
Directory
A public, searchable directory so newsrooms and institutions can verify a member's credentials.
- 03
Advocacy
Support on press-freedom, safety and workplace issues affecting members' day-to-day work.
By the numbers
Where our members work
320Verified members
28States & UTs covered
2Media houses represented
9Years of continuous work
What's included
What membership gives you
Everything WJAI runs sits behind membership — accreditation, verification and support built around working journalists.
Press ID & Certificate
A verified, official WJAI press ID and certificate once your application is approved.
Public Directory Listing
A profile newsrooms and institutions can use to confirm your credentials instantly.
Press-Freedom Advocacy
Collective support when members face safety, access or workplace issues.
Recognition Letters
Assignment and identity letters for events, press briefings and official coverage.
Cross-State Network
Connect with digital journalists across states, beats and languages.
Member Helpdesk
A direct line for questions on renewal, verification or grievances.
Circulars & Updates
Members-first access to announcements, opportunities and press releases.
Grievance Redressal
A defined channel to raise and resolve workplace or ethics concerns.
Eligibility
Built for every kind of digital journalist
Whether you work as an individual journalist or run a news website, there's a membership path for you — see the fees and full eligibility below.
Web & Digital Reporters
Online News Portal Journalists
Digital News Editors
Photojournalists
Citizen Journalists
Freelance Journalists
Regional Language Journalists
Digital Correspondents
How it works
From application to press ID
This is the exact path every new member takes, start to a verified credential in hand.
01
Apply online
Fill the application with your details and proof of journalistic work.
02
Get verified
Our team reviews and verifies your credentials and work history.
03
Approval & fee
Once approved, complete your membership payment for the year.
04
Get your ID
Download your official WJAI press ID and certificate from your dashboard.
Simple, transparent fees
Two ways to become a WJAI member
Membership is open to individual journalists and to web portals / news websites, each with its own eligibility and fee structure.
Most Common
Individual
₹600
first year, then ₹100/year to renew
- At least 5 years' experience in any field of journalism
- Minimum educational qualification: Graduation
- Not held guilty by any court, nor named in any criminal proceeding
- First-year fee includes the Web Journalists' Welfare Fund contribution
Portal (Web Portal / News Website)
₹6,000
first year, then ₹1,000/year to renew
- Portal must have been running for at least 1 year
- Domain must be booked for at least 2 years
- Details required: daily news volume, approx. monthly hits, designation
- First-year fee includes the Web Journalists' Welfare Fund contribution
- Includes both the personal membership and the portal registration - renewable together or separately from your dashboard
After your online application is received, approval is confirmed by email. You pay the membership fee as instructed on your dashboard once approved.
In members' words
What members say about WJAI
★★★★★
"My WJAI press ID has made covering local events far easier — officials recognise it immediately."
★★★★★
"The member directory helped a newsroom verify my credentials for a story within minutes."
★★★★★
"Renewing my membership and downloading my certificate took less than five minutes on the dashboard."
Before you ask
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for WJAI membership?
Two paths: Individual members need at least 5 years' experience in journalism, a graduation qualification, and no criminal record. Portals (web portals / news websites) need to have been running for at least 1 year with the domain booked for at least 2 years. Full criteria and fees are on the registration page.
What does membership cost?
Individual membership is ₹600 for the first year (then ₹100/year to renew). Portal membership - which already includes your personal membership - is ₹6,000 for the first year (then ₹1,000/year to renew).
How long does verification take?
Most applications are reviewed within a few working days once all required details and proof of work are submitted correctly.
Is the member directory public?
Yes. The directory lets newsrooms, officials and institutions verify a member's standing by searching their name or ID number.
How long is the press ID valid?
Membership and the press ID are valid for one year from approval and can be renewed from your member dashboard before expiry.
What if I face a workplace or safety issue?
Members can raise it through our grievance channel — see Contact Us — and our team will follow up directly.
Can a news website or portal register instead of an individual?
Yes — the Portal category is for web portals and news websites that have been running for at least a year with the domain booked for at least two years, covering the whole outlet under one membership.
How do I renew my membership?
Renewal reminders are sent before expiry, and renewal itself is done from your member dashboard.
Stay connected with WJAI
Get in touch
Questions before you apply?
From WJAI