Media Accreditation & Guidelines for covering CER Hearings

Media Accreditation Requirements

Media accreditation is required for all journalists, photographers, and videographers who wish to attend a hearing in-person. Media accreditation is strictly reserved for members of the press who represent a bona fide media organization.Footnote 1 Media accreditation is non-transferable.

To receive accreditation, media must be able to present Government Photo ID along with a business card and/or a letter requesting accreditation on official letterhead of a media organization, signed by the Publisher, Editor-in-chief, or Assignment Editor (along with their contact information).

Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decisions of Canada Energy Regulator (CER) are final. If someone does not meet the requirements for accreditation, they may still view the hearing broadcast online. The broadcast is webcast live, and may also be downloaded at the end of the day from the the Hearings and Information Sessions page at www.cer-rec.gc.ca.

Online media

The website must belong to a recognized media organization and have a specific, verifiable street address and a telephone number.

Online publications which are communications outreach or advocacy publications of non-governmental or non-profit organizations do not qualify for media accreditation.

Freelance Journalists

Freelance journalists, including photographers, must provide clear documentation that they are on assignment from a specific news organization or publication. A valid assignment letter from that news organization, or publication, is required.

Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decisions of CER are final. If someone does not meet the requirements for accreditation, they may still view the hearing broadcast online.

The CER reserves the right to deny or withdraw accreditation of journalists from media organizations who abuse the privileges so extended, or put the accreditation to improper use, or act in a way not consistent with the principles of the CER.

Media Participation Guidelines

The CER welcomes accredited media to observe and report on public hearings. In the interest of providing a balance between access to media, and respect for those presenting, the following guidelines have been developed.  Any accredited media who do not comply with the guidelines will be asked to leave the hearing, and may have their accreditation withdrawn.

  • Accreditation must be worn at all times during the hearing. You will be required to present a piece of government issued photo ID in order to collect your accreditation badge.
  • Media are asked to arrive one hour before the hearing begins for accreditation and any briefings. Audio or visual equipment must be set up a minimum of 30 minutes before the hearing begins. Media who arrive after the hearing begins will only be allowed to set up during a break.
  • Video recording equipment is permitted in the CER hearing room, in a designated fixed location.
  • No auxiliary lighting, including flashes, may be used in the hearing room while the hearing is underway.
  • Interviews are not allowed in the hearing room. Interviews may be conducted outside the hearing room or in the hallway as long as there is no interference with the public or CER staff entering and exiting the hearing room.
  • Media may not move around the hearing room while the hearing is underway.
  • Media must wait for a break in the proceedings (i.e. between speakers) before moving equipment.
  • The use of audio recorders is permitted but usage must not be distracting. A sound board will be available for reporters to access an audio feed.
  • If media disrupt the proceedings, they may be asked to leave by the Panel Chair.
  • Cell phones must be silenced while in the hearing room.
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