You can get press credentials through the National Writers Union. They are a pack of hare-brained Marxists, but if you have had at least two articles published in legitimate newspapers or magazines in the past several years, you can join the NWU and get press credentials. It costs $ 95/year to join, plus $ 40 for press credentials. The NWU is a subsidiary of United Auto Workers Local 1981 (go figure), so technically you are a union member. The good news is that as a union member you have a say in what the union does.
What gave you that silly idea? Union leaders do not take any flack from their members.
He's been on FNC at least once does that count?
Do letters to the editor count?