The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is calling on CNN to issue credentials to local Black news outlets in Atlanta to cover Thursday’s presidential debate.
NABJ is statement The network announced Thursday that more than 800 journalists from around the world will be on-site covering the debate, noting that credential applications closed on June 7 and that additional applications cannot be accepted after that date due to size and security constraints.
“Whatever the reason for the local Black press’s disapproval, with regard to the guidelines, we call on CNN to ensure a space that ensures fair and balanced coverage, with real-time content from the debate available to all citizens,” the group said.
“The Black Press serves as the primary news source for many Black Americans who have a significant voice in the voting process. It’s important to ensure that Black-owned and operated media outlets exist and are the best places to record, create and share content for their audiences.”
“We are pleased to welcome more than 800 journalists from around the world to Atlanta this week to cover the CNN presidential debate, including accredited members of local Black news organizations who applied for accreditation during the accreditation period,” CNN said in a statement to The Hill on Thursday.
“Information on how to apply for media credentials was published on May 15th in the debate announcement and confirmation,” the network continued. “Unfortunately, due to size and security constraints, we are unable to accommodate additional credential requests received in the last few days after the application deadline of June 7.”
The presidential debate, to be held behind closed doors at CNN’s Atlanta studios, will be the first to pit President Biden against former President Trump in the 2024 election and will be a highly anticipated media moment that will pose a major test for the network.
