The Association bears the name "Freie Presse Augsburg Schwaben Nord" (FPA SWN).
The seat of the Association is located in Augsburg.
The Association is not entered in the Register of Associations.
The Association bears the suffix: n.e.V. (non-registered association).
The Association possesses the same rights and obligations as those applicable to registered associations (e.V.).
Oversight is exercised by the Association itself, by administrative authorities, and by the courts.
The purpose of the Association is the promotion of journalism, particularly with a view to strengthening democracy, freedom of the press, and the independence of the media. The Association promotes and supports journalistic endeavors and advocates for the preservation and advancement of freedom of opinion and a free press.
The objectives of the Association are realized, in particular, through the following measures:
The Association operates on a selfless basis and pursues no economic interests of its own.
The Association's funds may be used exclusively for the purposes stipulated in its statutes. Members shall receive no disbursements from the Association's funds.
No person may be favored through expenditures unrelated to the Association's purpose or through disproportionately high remuneration.
3.1 Economic Viability The Association covers its costs through revenue generated by the sale of photographic media to clients (agencies, publishers, etc.). These revenues shall be used exclusively for the Association's purposes (maintenance of servers, equipment, etc.). No member may benefit from these funds "privately" or "personally."
3.2 Loss of Economic Viability Should economic viability cease to exist, no revenue will be generated!
Membership in the Association is open only to individuals who are professionally active in journalism—either as a primary or secondary occupation—and who possess the requisite credentials typically required by recognized press associations. Purely nominal membership for individuals not professionally active in journalism is not permitted. Any membership applications submitted by individuals not professionally active in journalism shall be rejected.
Membership is not mandatory, and no membership dues are levied. The Association does not rely on a large membership base; rather, it focuses on the realization of its statutory objectives.
Membership terminates upon resignation, expulsion, cessation of journalistic activity, involvement in conflicts with authorities (judicial bodies, police, etc.), misconduct at demonstrations and/or public events, or death. Resignation may be declared in writing at any time and becomes effective at the end of the month in which the notice of termination is received by the Board. A member may be expelled by the Board only in cases of serious violations of the Association’s objectives, violations of the Press Code, or violations of other applicable laws of the Federal Republic of Germany/the European Union, or other laws of other countries.
4.1 Press ID Card* Members must possess a valid press ID card. Accepted press ID cards include: DJV, dju in ver.di, BDZV, MVFP, etc. (nationally standardized press ID card), as well as DFJ, BDFJ/DVP.
No membership dues shall be levied.
The bodies of the Association are:
The Board of the Association consists of the Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson, and the Treasurer. The Board manages the affairs of the Association and is responsible for the implementation of the Association's objectives. The Board remains in office until a change or a new election becomes necessary, as determined by a duly convened Founding Meeting. The Board bears sole responsibility and remains independent in order to lead the Association in a neutral and objective manner.
The Board conducts the business of the Association and represents it both in and out of court. The Board is authorized to represent the Association individually. The Board makes its decisions by a simple majority.
The dissolution of the Association may be effected only by a unanimous resolution of the Board. This resolution must be communicated to the members by means of a written declaration.
In the event of dissolution, the assets of the Association shall pass to a tax-exempt entity dedicated to the promotion of journalism.These Statutes shall enter into force upon the Association's founding.
1. 📜 International Law and International Agreements
| Agreement | Article/Section | Content (Status of the Journalist) |
| Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) | Art. 19 | Right to freedom of opinion and information, including the freedom to seek and disseminate information regardless of frontiers. |
| International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) | Art. |
| Statute | Article/Section | Content (Press Freedom) |
| Basic Law (GG) | Art. 5 Para. 1 | Guarantees freedom of opinion, information, and the press ("Freedom of the press and freedom of reporting by means of broadcasting and film shall be guaranteed"). |
| Criminal Code (StGB) | § 305a | Protection against the coercion of judicial bodies (relevant for reporting on judicial proceedings). |
| Courts Constitution Act (GVG) | § 169 | Principle of Public Access in Court Proceedings (Important for Reporting). |
Additional Explanations and Adjustments:
The press pass serves primarily as a means of verifiable legitimation for the holder. However, it is not a guarantee of accreditation or admission, nor does it constitute absolute proof of professional integrity.
Rather, the decision regarding recognition or accreditation is facilitated by a comprehensive assessment that takes the following factors into account:
Maintenance of existing professional contacts with institutions, colleagues, other journalistic associations, and public authorities.
Proof of full-time journalistic activity.
Exclusion Criteria and Obligations
Exclusion Criteria:
Individuals associated with the far-right political spectrum are, as a matter of principle, excluded from membership.
This also applies to any membership in far-right political parties, groups, associations, organizations, or ...groups of people.
Duty of Separation:
For potential members who simultaneously hold political office or are members of democratic parties (such as the CSU, CDU, SPD, Bündnis 90/Die Grünen, FDP, or Die Linke)—as well as for individuals holding official positions (civil servants, military personnel, etc.)—a strictly professional separation must be ensured between their journalistic reporting and the exercise of their profession or political office.
The exploitation of journalism for official, political, or honorary functions is strictly prohibited and may entail legal consequences.