NABJ demands CNN credential Black Press for debate

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is urging CNN to issue credentials to local Black Press in Atlanta to cover Thursday’s presidential debate.

NABJ said in a statement on Thursday the network told it more than 800 journalists from around the world will be covering the debate onsite, noting 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 group said.

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

In a statement to The Hill on Thursday, CNN said it was “happy to welcome more than 800 journalists from around the world to Atlanta this week to cover the CNN Presidential Debate, including credentialed members from local Black press who applied for credentials during the credentialing window.”

“Information about how to apply for media credentials was made available to the public on May 15 in the announcement and confirmation of a debate,” the network continued. “Unfortunately, due to size and security constraints, we are unable to accommodate additional credential requests following our June 7 application deadline, which came in only in the last few days.” 

CNN’s presidential debate, held in its Atlanta studio with no audience, will be the first clash between President Biden and former President Trump of the 2024 election and will be a highly anticipated media moment that will serve as a major test for the network.