Media Credentials Open Now: US Open, NYFW, TIFF & More – June 19, 2026
EDITORIAL ACCESS: MEDIA CREDENTIALS OPENING & CLOSING JUNE 19.
This week’s Editorial Access tracks active media credential windows for major cultural, sports, film, fashion, and music events happening late summer and early fall. It’s designed as a live reference point for journalists, publicists, and founders who need to know what is currently open, and what’s closing soon.
US OPEN TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Date: August 24–September 7, 2026
Location: Queens, New York
A high-value credential for sports, celebrity, and lifestyle coverage with opportunities around athletes, VIP events, and brand activations. The 2026 US Open at Flushing Meadows is shaping up around the continued Alcaraz–Sinner rivalry on the men’s side and Aryna Sabalenka leading a competitive women’s field with strong American contenders like Coco Gauff pushing for a title run. Sponsored by Wilson, American Express, JPMorgan Chase, Deloitte, Chubb, Moët & Chandon, Oura, and Electrolit.
Media Credentials: https://www.usopen.org/en_US/media/index.html
Press Contact: media@usta.com
NEW YORK FASHION WEEK
Date: September 10–15, 2026
Location: New York, NY
The premier credential opportunity for fashion editors, photographers, beauty writers, and culture journalists covering runway shows, backstage access, and designer presentations. NYFW is coordinated through the CFDA and produced in part by IMG, but access is not centrally assigned—each designer’s PR team ultimately controls invitations, seating, and media credentials for their individual shows.
Official Press Info: https://cfda.com/fashion-calendar
TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Date: September 10–20, 2026
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Confirmed early programming and expected gala/special presentation titles include Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Christy starring Sydney Sweeney, Couture starring Angelina Jolie, and Good Fortune starring Keanu Reeves.
Sponsors and partners for TIFF’s industry + media ecosystem include major supporters like Rogers Communications, Visa, RBC, and Bulgari.
Media Accreditation: https://tiff.net/industry/accreditation
Press Office: publicity@tiff.net
MONTEREY JAZZ FESTIVAL 2026
Date: September 25–27, 2026
Location: Monterey, California
Media credentials are now open for the legendary Monterey Jazz Festival. Confirmed programming shows headliners like Herbie Hancock & Ron Carter, Charles Lloyd, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Brian Blade & the Fellowship Band, and Ambrose Akinmusire across the main stages, along with a full slate of contemporary and legacy jazz artists throughout the weekend.
Credential Application: https://montereyjazz.org/about-monterey-jazz/media/credentials/
EDITORIAL MOVES
This week’s Editorial Moves highlights recent editorial promotions, new contributor roles, and leadership changes across major media outlets including Inc. Magazine, CBS Philadelphia, Howard University, MS NOW, and The New York Times.
CRISTINA MONTEMAYOR IS THE NEW COLUMNIST AT INC. MAGAZINE COVERING BEAUTY AND WELLNESS
She posted in her LinkedIn this week saying, “Some news, as they say: I'm now a columnist at Inc. Magazine's leadership section covering beauty and wellness. I'll be writing about all the founder decisions, brand moves, and cultural moments happening now, and what executives, entrepreneurs, and managers everywhere can actually learn from them. PR friends, this is your call to update your lists! I'm now reachable at cristina@cristinamontemayor.com Send me any news on founder appearances on podcasts, stages, or major brand pivots because I want to cover it all. Oh, and if you want to support me, you can subscribe to my Substack, Texas Beauty Editor where I'll be writing about all the beauty news and happenings across the Lone Star State. The beauty community on Substack is so vibrant, diverse, and supportive, so I've been loving spending time over there.
Email: cristina@cristinamontemayor.com
ERNEST OWENS, M.A.STARTED A NEW POSITION AS CONTRIBUTOR AT CBS PHILADELPHIA
About Ernest: Award-winning journalist, author, and media personality Ernest Owens is known for his sharp reporting and cultural commentary, Owens is also president of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists. In his new role as contributor, he is responsible for contributing on-air and digital reporting, commentary, and coverage across local news and community-driven stories.
Contact Ernest: ernest.owens@gmail.com
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ernestowens/
KEVIN C. JOHNSON STARTED A NEW POSITION AS COPY EDITOR/WRITER AT HOWARD UNIVERSITY
About Kevin: Veteran journalist and editor Kevin C. Johnson is best known for his extensive career covering entertainment, music, and culture, Johnson brings decades of editorial experience to the role. In his new position, he is responsible for writing, editing, and shaping institutional storytelling across Howard University’s communications platforms.
Contact Kevin: kevincjohnsonstl@gmail.com
LinkedIN. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-c-johnson-701649186/
AYANNA RUNCIE WAS PROMOTED TO LINE PRODUCER AT MS NOW
“Excited to share that I’ve been promoted to Line Producer at MS NOW (formerly MSNBC)”
I’m also thrilled to be helping launch a brand-new show for the network this weekend: Connect with Jacob Soboroff.
About Ayanna: Producer, writer, and journalist Ayanna Runcie has been promoted to Line Producer at MS NOW (formerly MSNBC). With a strong background in broadcast journalism and live news production, Runcie continues to build a respected career in national media. In her new role, she is responsible for overseeing daily production, managing editorial workflows, and helping lead live programming.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayanna-runcie-90399b40/
Email: ayannaruncie@gmail.com
GREG SCHMIDT STARTED A NEW POSITION AS SENIOR STAFF EDITOR AT THE NEW YORK TIMES
About Greg: Greg Schmidt is a seasoned editor with extensive newsroom leadership experience, Schmidt is known for shaping thoughtful, high-impact journalism. In his new role, he is responsible for leading editorial coverage, guiding story development, and ensuring high-quality newsroom standards.
Email: gschmidt@nytimes.com
Work Phone: 212-556-3978 (Work)
EDITORS ON THE HUNT
Editors and journalists are actively opening their inboxes to fresh pitches, contributor ideas, and underreported stories across culture, entertainment, food, and lifestyle coverage. This section tracks who is currently signaling for new voices, what they’re looking for, and how freelancers can align their work with real-time editorial demand. It functions as a live pulse on where story opportunities are actually being sourced right now.
ALLRECIPES GROWING FREELANCE WRITER NETWORK
Bridget Olson, Features Editor at Allrecipes, recently shared that she is growing her freelance contributor network and is looking for strong pitches around food, culture, identity, and place.
Bridget Olson, Features Editor at Allrecipes, actively accepts freelance pitches. She is specifically looking to commission personal essays, profiles, and reported features through the lens of food culture, identity, and place
Contact: editor@allrecipes.com
Pay Rates: Typically starting around \(\$250\) or \(\$0.50\) per word depending on the story type and word count.
MIT TECHNOLOGY REVIEW BOOK EDITOR SEEKS 1-3 NEW OR UPCOMING BOOK TO EXPLORE FOR THEIR NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER ISSUE.
MIT Technology is a media company that explains the commercial, political, and social impact of the newest technologies.
Their editor, Rachel Courtland is seeking a book essay for their November/December issue: “I'm on the hunt for a book essay for the November/December issue of MIT Technology Review. The idea is to have a strong thesis and use 1-3 new or upcoming books to explore it.” Rates are $1 to $2 per word. If interested, email rachel.courtland@technologyreview.com. To learn more, refer to their editor’s post and their pitch guide.
ELLE MAGAZINE SEEKING FREELANCE CULTURE WRITERS
Senior Culture Editor Lauren Puckett-Pope recently shared that ELLE’s culture section is actively looking for freelance writers and fresh story ideas for 2026. She is especially interested in culture-forward stories, profiles, essays, and sharp reporting tied to entertainment and internet culture.
Pitch Info: https://www.threads.com/@laurpuckett/post/DUtUcRelejC
Email: laurenepuckett@gmail.com
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