In principle, only members of the BPK and the VAP may attend press conferences and background discussions in the conference room. Exceptions are possible for reporting journalists upon request. Membership cards must be shown on request.
For the duration of the press conference, the leading member of the Executive Board of Bundespressekonferenz (chairperson) has domiciliary rights.
Questions to the podium may only be asked at the request of the chairperson. It should be made clear to whom the question is directed.
The use of information at press conferences is regulated in the Articles of Assiciation
§ 16:
§ 16 (1) Statements made at press conferences are provided: (1) for any use; (2) for use without citing the source or naming the person providing the information; or (3) on a confidential basis.
(2) Informants may specify how their statements are to be treated. Members of the association and conference participants are bound by this specification regarding the use of such statements. If no such specification is provided, the material is considered freely usable. A violation of these rules regarding the use of statements may result in expulsion from the association or revocation of admission as a permanent guest.
The auditorium equipment must be treated with care, especially the microphones in the auditorium.
Cell phones must be muted.
Appropriate clothing must be worn, head coverings must be removed.
Eating, drinking, smoking or making phone calls are not permitted in the auditorium.
The display of political symbols may be prohibited by the chair of the press conference.
Rules for camera teams and photographers:
Television cameras with tripods may only be set up on the camera platform provided for this purpose. No video or audio recordings may be made during background discussions “Under 2” or “Under 3”. This also applies if information is given during a press conference “Under 2” or “Under 3”.
The aisles to the side of the rows of chairs and behind the auditorium on the rear wall serve as escape routes. Camera tripods of any shape or size are prohibited here. Failure to comply will result in expulsion from the auditorium.
The first two rows of seats are reserved for photographers and cameramen. They may not stand between the rows of seats during a PK and obstruct the view of the other participants. It is not permitted to stand behind or next to the podium during the PK.
Photographers are permitted to use flash photography before the press conference begins. Once the press conference officially begins, flash photography must be stopped and is no longer permitted for the duration of the press conference.
Rules for interviews and live broadcasts:
Interviews, live broadcasts and social media contributions following a press conference are not permitted inside the hall.
The open spaces in the atrium are intended for interviews and live broadcasts. The gallery in front of the hall must be kept clear.
