The I nonimmigrant Visa for Representatives of Foreign Media can be granted to foreign individuals currently representing a foreign media outlet that has a home office in a foreign country, who are seeking entry in the U.S. for the sole purpose of representing this media.

The answer is generally no, but there are some exceptions:

1. If you are coming to attend a conference or a meeting as a participant and you are not planning to report about the conference or meeting (here or at home), you may enter the United States through the VW Program or on a Tourist Visa instead of an I-Visa.
2. If you are a guest speaker, lecturer, or are engaged in an academic activity (such as at an institution of higher education, a related or affiliated nonprofit entity, a nonprofit research organization, or a governmental research organization), including receiving an honorary degree form an institution of higher-education, you may be able to come through the VW Program or on a Tourist Visa.
3. If you are taking a real vacation, and will not be working or reporting during your trip, by all means, you can travel under the Visa Waiver Program or on a tourist visa.
4. If you are conducting independent research.
5. If you are taking still photographs, so long as you are not receiving income from a US source.

Any accompanying or following-to-join spouse and children under the age of 21 may be eligible to apply for an I nonimmigrant visa. If your spouse and/or children apply for visas at a later date, they must submit a copy of your I-Visa with their application. Your spouse and children are not eligible to work with an I nonimmigrant visa, but can study in the United States without applying for an F-1 nonimmigrant student visa. If your spouse and children only intend to visit for vacation and do not intend to reside with you in the United States, they may travel to the United States on the VWP or on a tourist visa.

Most news gathering activities generally qualify for the media visa; however, others may require a temporary worker petition-based visa, such as the H, O, or P visa. You should contact an experienced immigration attorney to help you decide if any of these are necessary.