The way publisher content is accessed and used is evolving. AI advancement has led to automated content processing and new ways of accessing news – sometimes without permission. Publishers require greater transparency on how their content has been sourced and whether it is being used under appropriate licensing arrangements.
NLA’s Media Access Accreditation provides a recognised mark of trust from the news media industry. The programme recognises media intelligence, risk and content processor/wholesaler organisations that demonstrate they source and use publisher content lawfully, transparently and responsibly – giving their customers and publishers greater confidence in the organisations they work with, enabling responsible providers to differentiate themselves from those infringing publisher IP and contractual terms.
Accredited organisations are assessed against multiple standards covering rights and licensing, transparency and reporting, and responsible commercial use. They will be able to display the official accreditation mark as evidence of their commitment to responsible sourcing content.
Find out more about the accreditation, its benefits and how your organisation can participate in the FAQs below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Media Access Accreditation?
The Media Access Accreditation is a certification for media intelligence, risk and content processor/wholesaler organisations that can demonstrate they source and use publisher content lawfully, transparently and responsibly.
It provides their customers, publishers and industry partners with confidence that as an accredited organisation they operate to and respect recognised industry standards for responsible content sourcing.
Why should I become accredited?
Customers increasingly want confidence that the news media content they receive has been sourced responsibly and in accordance with recognised licensing arrangements.
Media Access Accreditation provides recognition that your organisation meets established standards set by publishers. It demonstrates your commitment to licensing, transparency and good governance, helping to build trust with customers, strengthen relationships with publishers and differentiate your business in a competitive marketplace from bad actors.
As responsible sourcing becomes an increasingly important consideration in procurement and supplier selection, accreditation offers a clear and credible way to demonstrate good practice.
Who is the accreditation for?
Accreditation is initially open to media intelligence, risk and content processor/wholesaler organisations to help you stand out as a trusted provider with recognition of your commitment to publishers’ rights and copyright law.
Is participation mandatory?
No. The accreditation is voluntary.
However, those that successfully meet the accreditation standards will be able to promote their accredited status publicly and benefit from meeting the programme standards.
What will organisations be assessed against?
The accreditation is built around three core principles:
- Rights and Licensing – ensuring publisher content is obtained and used under appropriate licensing arrangements.
- Transparency – providing appropriate attribution and reporting regarding the use of publisher content.
- Responsible Commercial Use – ensuring publisher content is used in ways that respect publisher value and compliance with licence terms.
The assessment criteria will be published before the end of November 2026.
Will every organisation be assessed in the same way?
Yes. All applicants will be assessed against the same published standards using a consistent assessment methodology to ensure fairness, transparency and consistency across the programme.
Does Media Access Accreditation replace my licence with NLA or contract with publishers?
No. The accreditation has no bearing on existing commercial arrangements.
Organisations must continue to hold any licences required for their business activities. Accreditation provides recognition that those licensing arrangements are being supported by responsible operational practices.
Will accredited organisations be able to display an accreditation mark?
Yes. Successful applicants will receive the official Media Access Accreditation mark, which may be displayed on websites, proposals, tenders, marketing material and other business communications for as long as the organisation is accredited.
How long does accreditation last?
Accreditation will be initially awarded for a 24 month period and renewed thereafter.
Details of renewal arrangements and ongoing requirements will be published as part of the programme documentation.
What happens if an accredited organisation no longer meets the standards?
The programme includes procedures for investigating potential breaches of the accreditation standards.
Where appropriate, organisations may be asked to address identified issues within a specified timeframe. Failure to do so may result in accreditation being suspended or withdrawn.
Is the assessment independent?
The accreditation will operate using a transparent assessment framework with published standards and a consistent evaluation process for all applicants.
The governance arrangements for the programme will be published prior to launch to ensure confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the accreditation process.
Does accreditation guarantee legal compliance?
No. Accreditation demonstrates that an organisation has met the published accreditation standards at the time of assessment.
It does not replace an organisation’s own legal responsibilities or ongoing obligations under applicable licences, contracts or legislation.
How do organisations apply?
Applications will be submitted through the NLA website, the full details of which will be published in November 2026. To register your interest, sign up below and we will notify you at launch.
Register here