NABJ Urges CNN to Allow Local Black Press In-Person Access to Cover Tonight’s Presidential Debate

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) has received and read reports that local Black Press will not be credentialed to cover tonight’s Presidential Debate hosted by CNN in Atlanta.

CNN Communications has told NABJ and other Black organizations, via a statement, that more than 800 journalists from around the world will be covering the debate onsite. The company stated that the application for credentials closed on June 7 and it could not accept additional requests after this date due to size and security restraints.

No matter the reason the local Black Press was not approved, in regard to guidelines, we are asking CNN to create space to ensure fair and balanced coverage so that all citizens have access to real-time content from the debate. 

The Black Press serves as a primary news source for many Black Americans, who are key voices in the voting process. 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.

We urge CNN to make accommodations for Black-owned media and allow them access to tonight’s debate. 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.