CNN has rejected a request from the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) to have a reporter present during the entirety of Thursday night’s debate between President Biden and former President Trump.
“The White House Correspondents’ Association is deeply concerned that CNN has refused to allow White House travelling journalists into the studio. Through discussions and outreach, we have urged CNN to allow at least one print journalist into the studio during the debate,” Kelly O’Donnell, NBC News reporter and president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, said in a statement Thursday.
“The lead reporter is there to provide context and insight through first-hand observation, rather than through the lens of a television production. The lead reporter is an independent observer with a mission separate from the production of the debate as a news event.”
The WHCA noted that CNN itself is “a proud member of our association and a valued partner in the daily reporting of the White House press corps.”
“We know CNN is investing significant resources in producing this debate and we wish them every success,” O’Donnell said. “The WHCA respectfully urges CNN to adjust their plans and welcome a traveling White House spokesperson to tune in to the entire debate. This is for the good of the news cycle, this is for the good of history, and most importantly, this is for the good of the American people.”
In a statement to The Hill, CNN denied the WHCA’s request, saying the network “[s] the role the organization plays and its support for media freedom and access.”
“CNN’s presidential debate will be held behind closed doors in a CNN studio with no spectators and no media presence,” the network announced. “The feed will be available to Washington Pool members, Washington Pool subscribers and CNN affiliates and will also be available to embed for free for digital media via CNN’s YouTube channel and will also be available on CNN.com.”
CNN also noted that “a small number of camera crews will be given access to the debate studio during the event, and a larger group of camera crews will be given access during commercial breaks.”
“In addition, CNN is providing designated print journalists with access to the debate venue during the first commercial break to provide in-studio reporting,” a spokesperson for the media outlet said.
CNN has come under intense scrutiny ahead of the debate over the ground rules it imposed on both candidates and who it has given cover for the event.
The Trump campaign, which agreed to ground rules for Thursday’s debate, has repeatedly accused the network of being biased against Trump.
