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Guide to the Media accredited to cover the visit of Pope Francis to Bulgaria

02 May 2019 News
  1. Receipt of Badges:

The distribution of the special accreditation for the media to cover the apostolic journey of Pope Francis in Bulgaria will be done on 2 May 2019, within the timeframes specified below (only in these time slots). The badges that will be provided are personalized – named and non-transferable, i.e. they cannot be used for access by individuals other than the accredited badge holders.

  • For the journalists with permanent accreditation with the Council of Ministers (CoM) and the Presidents Office – the special badges for the papal visit are to be collected at the Council of Ministers building (the official entrance), either by the badge holder or by a staff member of the respective media on his/her behalf (upon the presentation of an identity document and subject to signature to acknowledge the receipt) on May 2 between 13:30 and 15:30;
  • For the journalists with permanent accreditation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) – the special badges for the papal visit are to be collected at the MFA building (the Reception Office /Priemnata/), either by the badge holder or by a staff member of the respective media on his/her behalf (upon the presentation of an identity document and subject to signature to acknowledge the receipt) on May 2 between 9:00 and 12:00 (noon);
  • For international (foreign) journalists who have accreditation for the papal visit following the special accreditation procedure (conducted 15-25 March): 1) these journalists must have received a confirmation of accreditation email; 2) If they have received such an e-mail message, they may collect their badge at the Council of Ministers building (the official entrance), address: 1 Dondukov Blvd, on May 2 between 13:30 and 15:30, personally or a staff member of their media may collect it on their behalf (upon the presentation of an identity document and subject to signature to acknowledge the receipt; or on May 4 between 12:00 (noon) and 22:00 at the National Palace of Culture, entrance B2 of the building.
  • Accredited regional media are to collect their badges at the Rakovski Municipality Office on May 2 between 9:00 and 12:00 (noon).

Badges will be provided only on the indicated date and during the indicated time slots! There shall be no exceptions made. A new badge will not be provided if a badge is lost, and the badge holder will have no access to events.

Journalists holding accreditation from the CoM, the MFA and the President’s Office for the papal visit will have access to all events in Sofia and Rakovski, as per the guidelines below.

The accredited regional media will have free access solely to the events in Rakovski.

Foreign media will have access to the events for which they have notified us (if the request for all, then they will have access to all).

  1. Access arrangements:

Accredited media’s access is subject to their special accreditation to cover the visit of Pope Francis to Bulgaria /badge/ and the presentation of an identity document that will be checked at the indicated checkpoints (see the Program below).

The main media center will be headquartered in the National Palace of Culture (NDK) whose Entrance B2 will be reserved for the media. There will be two temporary auxiliary media centers – at Alexander I Battenberg Square in Sofia and in the building of the Hristo Smirnenski Primary School in the town of Rakovski. The media centers at Battenberg and in Rakovski are to be accessed via the indicated checkpoints (see the Program below).

The technical specifications of the centers are to be found in Item 3 of this document.

Reporters, photographers and cameramen who cover the events from the program of the visit of Pope Francis must be at the indicated checkpoints two (2) hours before the event starts (see the Program below for the exact times).

 

Each location of an event under the program of Pope Francis will have pens for writers and for camera shooting (see the Program below). Reporters should observe this separation for the sake of smooth operation.

Video recording in the video areas (in the security perimeter) must employ ENG cameras only. There is no opportunity for SNG/ OB vans within these zones. Wireless communication /DMNG/ may be used at the user’s risk.

Media will have a quota of one crew per event under the program, within the security perimeter. There shall be no exceptions made, therefore media are kindly requested to plan well the deployment of their crews/the alternation of their crews.

In keeping with the security services requirements, events under the program of Pope Francis in Sofia and Rakovski can be accessed solely by SNG stations/OB vans of the host broadcaster who will be providing the official video and audio for the visit.

Media wishing to organize outside broadcasting are free to do so outside the security perimeters and in the locations as indicated (see the Program below).

Official video and photos of the special meetings of His Holiness Pope Francis with the President, the Prime Minister and the Patriarch of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church will be released via the FTP server, which is freely accessible on www.popeinbulgaria.gov.bg

On account of space limitations and security measures events of the program of Pope Francis for which there will be pools of accredited photographers and cameramen, will be open only to photographers and cameramen. Writers/reporters will stay in their pens.

To direct the media staff members to their pens of reporters and photographers and cameramen, there will be “meeting points”/checkpoints for each event. The reporters, photographers and cameramen must be there two hours before the event starts in order to reach their pens.

 

APOSTOLIC JOURNEY OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS IN BULGARIA

 

 

Sunday 05/05/2019  ROME-SOFIA

 

HOUR

EVENT

SCENARIO

ACCESS AND MEDIA ARRANGEMENTS

OUTSIDE BROADCASTING AND MEDIA VANS

 

 

10:00

Sofia Airport, Governmental Lounge

OFFICIAL WELCOMING  CEREMONY

The aircraft lands at Sofia Airport, zone of the Governmental Terminal.

The Prime Minister welcomes His Holiness.

Children in national costume offer flowers to His Holiness.

Statements are not planned.

The Prime Minister and His Holiness go to the Governmental Lounge for a tête-a-tête.

 

One crew per media only - cameraman/photographer/reporter and support staff, if any)

 

 

Meeting point/checkpoint for members of the media:

-         Sofia Airport, Government Terminal

-         7:30 - 8:00 hrs.

For this location there will be an opportunity for access to the Governmental Terminal parking for SNG/OB Vans, should such be planned.

 

These SNGs and their crews will be located in a special area OUTSIDE the building of the Government Airport Terminal and will not be allowed elsewhere.

Only accredited journalists will be allowed inside the building.

Transfer of signal from cameraperson to SNG is doable via microwave link.

 

Access is barred to any other types of vehicles in the security area.

10:10

MEETING WITH THE PRIME MINISTER

Official meeting between the Prime Minister and His Holiness

Sofia Airport, Governmental Lounge

Access: official photographers and cameramen and the host broadcaster

 

 

10:40

Arrival at the President’s Office

OFFICIAL WELCOMING CEREMONY

His Holiness is welcomed by the President of the Republic

Venue: the square in front of the official entrance of the President’s Office

Description of ceremony:

•         Homage to the flags

•         The anthems

•         Guard of honor

•            Introduction of the delegations

Access: One crew per media only -  cameraman/photographer/reporter and one support staffer, if any)

 

Meeting point/checkpoint:

-         Crossing of Alexander I  and Saborna Streets

-         08:00 hrs.

Access is barred to SNG/ OB Vans; mobile communications only /DMNG/.

 

 

11:00

MEETING WITH THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC

Description:

•         Tête-a-tête

•            Presentation of the family

•         Exchange of gifts

 

- Official photo of President Rumen Radev and Pope Francis in the Coat of Arms Hall of Dondukov 2 – open to accredited cameramen and photographers, until the capacity of the hall is reached.

- Private meeting of Head of State Rumen Radev and Pope Francis – official photo/video. Access: only the official media partners of the visit to Bulgaria – the host broadcaster and on the Vatican side, plus one private cameraman and one private photographer on the Bulgarian and the Vatican side.

 

 

11:30

MEETING WITH THE CORPS DIPLOMATITIQUE,  CIVIL SOCIETY AND PUBLIC AUTHORITIES

 

Atanas Bourov Square

•         Speech by the President

•         Speech by His Holiness

 

 

Access: One crew per media only - cameraman/photographer/reporter and one support staffer, if any)

 

Pens for writers and for camera shooting

 

Meeting point/checkpoint for the media:

-         Crossing of Alexander I  and Saborna Streets

-         08:00 hrs.

 

 

Access is barred to SNG/ OB Vans; mobile communications /DMNG/ only.

 

 

12:00

CALL ON THE PATRIARCH AND THE HOLY SYNOD

 

 

 

 

The Holy Synod

•         Greetings by His Holiness the Patriarch

•         Greetings by His Holiness the Pope

•         Exchange of gifts

•            Introduction of the delegations

 

Walking to the St. Alexander Nevsky Patriarchal Cathedral.

 

In the Holy Synod Chamber – the official photographers/cameramen, the host broadcaster.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Access for SNG/ OB Vans will be granted access only in the zone of 15th November Street /the southeast corner of the arch of Alexander Nevsky Square/

 

Access is barred to all other vehicles in the security area.

 

12:50

PRAYER IN SOLITUDE AT THE THRONE OF SS. CYRIL AND METHODIUS

In the Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky Pope Francis goes to the iconostasis at the altar that is dedicated to the Saintly Brothers Cyril and Methodius. His Holiness – silent prayer; the Papal entourage stands  behind him.

Access: only official photographers and cameramen and the host broadcaster.

 

13:00

REGINA COELI

(QUEEN OF HEAVEN)

 

Alexander Nevsky Square

Prayer

Access: One crew per media only -  cameraman/photographer/reporter and one support staffer, if any)

 

There will be special pens for writers and for camera shooting

 

Meeting point/checkpoint for the media:

-         The cross street of Paris and Moskovska (between Rakovski Street and Paris Street)

-         11:00 hrs.

 

16:20

Arrival at Battenberg Square

The Popemobile Drive

 

 

 

 

Arrival of His Holiness in the Sacristy

 

 

 

16:45

DIVINE  LITURGY

KNYAZ ALEXANDER I SQUARE

DIVINE LITURGY

 

The stage is with its back to the President’s Office and faces the University of Sofia.

Access: One crew per media only - cameraman/photographer/reporter and one support staffer, if any)

 

There will be special pens for writers and for camera shooting

 

Meeting point/checkpoint for the media:

-         At the crossing of  Moskovska and Benkovski Streets

-         14:45 – 15:15 hrs.

 

Opportunity provided for TV studios/ stand-ups in front of the National Theater.

/no accreditation needed for this area/

Location for SNG/OB Vans: Slavyanska Street or Ivan Vazov Street, accessed via Rakoski Street.

 

 

Monday 06/05/2019 SOFIA RAKOVSKI – SOFIA

 

 

VISIT TO THE VRAZHDEBNA REFUGEE RECEPTION CENTER

 

Meeting children and families and center staff

 

Access: only official photographers/cameramen and host broadcaster

Closed to media. Video and photos to be released via the FTP server  (accessible at www.popeinbulgaria.gov.bg)

 

11:15

DIVINE LITURGY WITH THE FIRST COMMUNION

 

Town of Rakovski

THE CHURCH OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS

(Sacratissimum Cor Jesu) (RAKOVSKI)

DIVINE LITURGY WITH FIRST COMMUNION

Sermon

Language: Italian

 

Access: One crew from media only cameraman/photographer/reporter and support staff, if any)

 

Pens for writers and for camera shooting

 

Meeting point/checkpoint for the media:

-         At the crossing of  Moskovska and Moussala Streets

-         09:00 hrs.

 

Opportunity for access of SNG/ OB Vans

 

The routes and locations where the vans will stand will be communicated on site on the day of the event.

15:30

MEETING THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

Speech

 

 

THE CHURCH OF THE ARCHANGEL MICHAEL,

TOWN OF RAKOVSKI

Access: journalists holding accreditation /in pools/.

 

Meeting point/checkpoint for the media:

-         Peter Bogdan Street

-         13:30 hrs.

 

 

18:15

EVENT FOR PEACE WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF DIFFERENT RELIGIONS IN BULGARIA

 

 

NEZAVISIMOST  SQUARE

SOFIA

MESSAGES OF PEACE WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DIFFERENT RELIGIONS IN BULGARIA;

Prayer

 

Access: One crew per media only - cameraman/photographer/reporter and support staff, if any)

 

Pens for writers and for camera shooting

 

 

Meeting point/checkpoint for the media:

-         The arch between the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy and the Ministry of Education

-         16:15-16:45 hrs.

 

Location opportunity for TV studios/ stand-ups: in front of the  Museum of Sofia, in the park area.

/no accreditation needed for this area/

 

Location for SNG/OB Vans: the parking lot between the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy and the Museum of Sofia Buildings

 

 

 

Tuesday 07/05/2019

 

 

SEEING-OFF CEREMONY

 

Official photographers/cameramen/host broadcaster

Closed to media

 

 

  1. Technical specifications of the press centers:

Three press centers (main and two auxiliary) will facilitate the work of accredited journalists.

The main press center is headquartered in the National Palace of Culture (NDK). It will open on 4.05.2019 and closes on 7.05.2019.

Working hours:

On 4.05.2019: from 12:00 to 22:00 hrs.

On 5.05 and 6.05.2019: from 08:00 to 22:00 hrs.

On 7.05.2019: from 08:00 to 12:00 hrs.

Coffee club Peroto next door offers snacks and drinks.

All media that would like to deploy their own communication means for independent coverage/reporting, can position SNG/ OB vans (other types of vehicles will be barred) in the parking area of the National Palace of Culture (NDK) at entrance A6, facing the Hilton Hotel.

The Battenberg temporary auxiliary press center will be a special tent at Alexander I Battenberg Square. It will open on 4.05.2019, 12:00 hrs. and closes on 5.05.2019, 19:00 hrs.

On 4.05.2019: from 12:00 to 22:00 hrs.

On 5.05.2019: from 08:00 to 22:00 hrs.

Vending machines for snacks and drinks will be available.

Temporary auxiliary press center Rakovski will be housed in the building of Hristo Smirnenski Primary School, Rakovski, in the proximity of the Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Open on 6.05.2019 from 08:00 to 18:00 hrs. Snacks and drinks will be available.

All press centers will ensure clear video signal with embedded audio channels. A BNC type connector is used. Format HD-SDI.

All press centers will provide a video monitoring of the events and simultaneous interpretation with the help of equipment and earphones. The language channels – Bulgarian, English and Italian – will be indicated on site.

All press centers will have high-speed symmetrical free of charge Wi-Fi and LAN.

  1. Technical information concerning media coverage

Video signal

The Bulgarian National Television (host broadcaster) will provide the TV signal by an OB Van of all events in video format HD-SDI with four embedded audio channels as follows:

1.Original

2.Bulgarian

3.English

4.Italian

The live broadcast will be handled by an international signal to be transmitted by a satellite Eutelsat 7Е. Satellite data /Synopsis/ for the 5th and 6th of May will be communicated two or three days before the event. All media are free to use this satellite service. All other parameters will be notified later. Transmission will be possible to media that have their own equipment /SNG and 4G/ on the sites as indicated.

In accordance with the security requirements, use of drones is prohibited!

Audio signals

Analog audio distribution amplifiers will provide for the original (the speaker’s language) in the special locations for shooting.

The signal is high level 1,5V, XLR-3M connector.

OB and SNG

The major events under the program will be filmed by the Bulgarian National Television alone, using an OB Van.

All media wishing to have OB Vans/ SNG for forward operating tv studios, will have the opportunity to do so at the designated locations and by means described in the program above.

Use of portable cameras and mobile communication/cellular bounding / 4G/. DMNG

The portable equipment hand-carried by the crews will be mounted at the designated sites after the crews get clearance of passage. The media crews must provide their own power supply. Radio microphones will not be allowed.

Voice recording

A speaker system will be installed where appropriate in the press centers to record by recording devices during the events.

 

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