CNN is set to host a presidential debate on Thursday, June 27, 2024. While they will provide media credentials to foreign reporters, they have not extended the same privilege to Black media outlets. The Atlanta Voice is a publication that has catered to the Black audience for nearly 60 years. It is important to note that The Atlanta Voice recently conducted an exclusive one-on-one interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. Access is particularly important as media coverage plays a crucial role in shaping the presidential election’s outcome. It’s worth noting that Black media organizations own and operate none of the nearly 600 national and international media outlets granted credentials for the debate.
The Thursday debate is scheduled at CNN Studios in Midtown Atlanta at 9 pm.
Joe Biden’s campaign team has made a strong effort to include Black publications in their events, acknowledging the significant influence of Black voters in the election and the challenges faced by Black publications. It’s important to note that while The Atlanta Voice will be in the presidential press pool, it does not guarantee entrance or access to the debate.
CNN reported that media members had until June 7 to request credentials to attend and cover the event. However, The Atlanta Voice was unaware of this deadline until the editor-in-chief contacted a CNN representative. The representative informed him that they were “unable to accommodate any additional credential requests” past that deadline.
CNN has confirmed that it will distribute transcripts and photos from the debate. Additionally, the Biden campaign plans to host a press briefing for Black publications before the debate on Thursday.