About Us
The British Association of Journalists (BAJ) is a UK-based non political Trade Union dedicated to helping journalists and individuals involved in the editorial workflow across various media platforms.
We are committed to upholding the professional standards of journalism and advocating for the rights of journalists in the ever-evolving media landscape.
BAJ membership is open to those who earn most of their income from being part of an editorial workflow encompassing reporters, hyperlocal editors, photographers, writers, sub-editors, page layout artists, and news broadcasters, to name just a sample of the roles we support.
Make the BAJ your trade union of choice today.
BAJ Membership Benefits & Costs
BAJ membership is open to those who earn most of their income from being part of an editorial workflow encompassing reporters, hyperlocal editors, photographers, writers, sub-editors, page layout artists, and news broadcasters, to name just a sample of the roles we support.
Membership is subject to a one off £17.50 joining fee payable by invoice plus one months monthly membership subscription prior to your monthly Direct Debit mandate being set up. Membership can also be paid yearly in advance.
Membership has three price categories.
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National Media (Staff) – £18.25 monthly) – Members working for national media.
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Regional Media (Staff) – £16.00 monthly) – Members working for regional media.
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Freelance – £11.50 monthly) – Members working for local media, including freelance contributors and internet-based media.
Monthly membership fees are collected via a rolling Direct Debit mandate with your bank*, or you can request to pay your membership fee yearly in advance by invoice. *Subject to terms and conditions in the Note below.
If you are joining with an existing legal matter we require payment of six months’ membership subs as back pay which will be invoiced.
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We recommend that you use a computer and not a mobile phone to complete the application process, as you will be required to upload documents and encounter redirections that some mobile phone browsers may be unable to process. If your application is approved and your joining fee has been paid, your BAJ membership details will be sent to you via email. Please allow ten working days for your application to be processed.
Important.
Becoming a Membership of the BAJ does not imply or guarantee the issuing of a UK Press Card which is subject to separate application process.
Apply for membership
*Note – Failed Direct Debit payments will result in the cancellation of membership and all services without notification. If you hold a UK Press Card, it will become void and notified to the police and other public bodies who accept it as accreditation. You must return your Press Card to the BAJ upon request.
The BAJ provides access to legal advice on every aspect of employment and copyright law to our members. Together with our in-house solicitor, we retain the services of expert barristers at Outer Temple Chambers, at no charge to BAJ members, taking cases to an employment tribunal or a county court where appropriate. The BAJ solicitor advises its members on copyright matters, such as unpaid fees, unauthorised use of photographs and articles, publishing agreements, and other intellectual property issues. If you have concerns regarding your copyright, do not hesitate to contact the BAJ office by telephone or email for further advice.
There are no guarantees in litigation, and the BAJ has a responsibility to safeguard its funds for all its members. No two cases are the same, and it is a BAJ policy to pursue members' cases where counsel advices there is a greater that 50% chance of success.*
Initial contact for legal advice should be via contact by email. If deemed necessary, the union's solicitor will be engaged to act for members.
*subject to terms and conditions.
The BAJ is a UK Press Card Gatekeeper.
