CNN faces backlash for denying black press access to the presidential debate.
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will attend tonight's CNN presidential debate, but there will be no Black press members.
CNN is under increased criticism for refusing credential requests from Black-owned media firms.
On Wednesday, June 26, Ebony magazine released an article claiming that it was one of several notable Black publications that were "refused" in-person entrance to the first 2024 presidential debate.
"Notable Black media organizations, including Ebony, Atlanta Black Star, and Atlanta Voice, have reported being denied press credentials or not being informed of the application deadlines," the story stated, adding that CNN's decision could have a "impact on voter suppression."
The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), which represents Black-owned publications, stated that several of its members contacted CNN last month about receiving credentials, "but never heard back."
On Wednesday, The Washington Informer, a NNPA member paper, published a letter from Dylan Rose, director of communications for CNN Washington, stating that journalists from the paper would be allowed transcripts and images but would be unable to attend the discussion.
“Unfortunately, due to the high volume of requests and space and security constraints, we are unable to accommodate any additional credential requests following our June 7th credential deadline. If you would like to receive transcripts and photos from the debate, please let us know and we will ensure you are on our distribution list. Best, Dylan Rose,” the letter read.
NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. stated that CNN had issued credentials to journalists from international publications whose readers are unable to vote in the US election. Chavis said CNN discriminated against Black Americans.
“CNN’s decision is an affront to the very essence of press freedom and diversity. In a city where Black voices and perspectives are essential, this exclusion is both a slap in the face and a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles for equitable media representation,” Chavis said in a statement.
Atlanta Black Star, which is located in the same neighborhood as CNN’s Atlanta headquarters, said it never received “a press release or any other communication regarding media access for the debate.” In response to the controversy, the Congressional Black Caucus weighed in.
“This afternoon we learned that CNN has credentialed 800 members of the media for the first presidential debate of the election cycle. Not one represents a Black-owned media outlet. CNN’s exclusion of Black-owned media represents an egregious oversight and is totally unacceptable,” Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), chairman of Congressional Black Caucus Political Action, said in a widely-distributed statement.
The congressman added that CNN should immediately begin credentialing Black media outlets.
“We are calling on CNN to credential a minimum of 10 Black-owned media outlets,” he said. “Failure to do so is a choice, an offense to Black Americans, and cannot stand.”
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) slammed the network on Thursday as well.
“CNN is hosting the debate in a place that is commonly called the ‘Black Mecca’ of the U.S. because of the rich and influential Black culture there. It is critical to ensure Black-owned and operated media are present and have prime placement to record, create, and share content for their audiences,” NABJ said in a statement on its website. “We are aware that access to transcripts and visuals was offered by CNN to outlets that weren’t approved, but we also understand the power and value of being able to access news in real-time.”