CNN has been encouraged by the White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) to permit WHCA print reporters to enter the debate hall on Thursday night, the night when Donald Trump and Joe Biden will square off. During commercial breaks, a few White House print reporters will be permitted entry, but not during the debate.
Deadline reports that while the argument is going on, the network is permitting a few still photographers to work in the studio. Preventing print journalists from entering the room on Thursday during the debate, according to White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) President Kelly O’Donnell, “diminishes a core principle of presidential coverage.”
Regarding the dispute, O’Donnell commented, “The White House pool has a duty to document, report, and witness the president’s events and his movements on behalf of the American people.” “For the benefit of the news cycle, history, and most importantly, the American people, WHCA humbly requests that CNN modify its schedule and extend a warm invitation to the White House travel pool print representative to attend the entire debate.”
Adding to her concerns, O’Donnell also wrote, “Tonight’s debate will have no audience present and includes format rules that can silence candidates’ microphones. We don’t know how this will play out in real time. A pool reporter is there to observe what is said and done when microphones are off or when either candidate is not seen on camera but may speak, gesture, move, or engage in some way. WHCA believes this principle of coverage matters. The White House travel pool has been included in past presidential debates and we believe that standard of access is essential.”
When Deadline contacted CNN, they declined to comment.
The debate’s rules state that after a contender has finished speaking or it is not their turn, their microphones will be cut. Viewers would not be able to hear any interruptions from the candidates if they spoke during the debate.
For The Post Millennial, reporter Sara Higdon will be observing the discussion from the spin room.
Additionally, CNN has threatened YouTube channels who offer analysis on the Trump-Biden debate by informing them that they lack authorization to broadcast the debate live on their platforms. Contrary to the custom of candidates debating the entire time, this debate will not have an audience and will be moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. It will span 90 minutes with two commercial breaks.
