CMA Awards to Press: Don't Talk About Las Vegas, Guns, Politics

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Media restricted from gun, political questions at CMA Awards


Image result for 51st cma awards logo 
The Country Music Association sent out its media guidelines for covering the 51st Annual CMA Awards ceremony. The awards will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at Bridgestone Arena, and apparently its organizers don't want the press to focus on "the Las Vegas tragedy, gun rights, political affiliations or topics of the like" in their coverage. Doing so, say the CMA folks, could lead to credentials being "revoked via security escort."
Here's an excerpt of the media guidelines:
Related imageIn light of recent events, and out of respect for the artists directly or indirectly involved, please refrain from focusing your coverage of the CMA Awards Red Carpet and Backstage Media Center on the Las Vegas tragedy, gun rights, political affiliations or topics of the like. It’s vital, more so this year than in year’s past due to the sensitivities at hand, that the CMA Awards be a celebration of Country Music and the artists that make this genre so great. It’s an evening to honor the outstanding achievements in Country Music of the previous year and we want everyone to feel comfortable talking to press about this exciting time. If you are reported as straying from these guidelines, your credential will be reviewed and potentially revoked via security escort. We appreciate your cooperation in advance. If you have any concerns on your coverage plans, please reach out to the CMA Communications team in advance so we can be a great partner as we celebrate “The 51st Annual CMA Awards.” 
The shooting at last month's Route 91 Harvest festival in Las Vegas has, of course, led to a great deal of discussion within the country world. Josh Abbott Band guitarist Caleb Keeter discussed changing his position on gun control after the shooting. Jason Aldean — who was onstage at Route 91 when the shooting took place — pled for people to "come together and stop the hate." Brad Paisley, whom I spoke to just last week, said the following when asked about his role co-hosting the CMAs with Carrie Underwood: "We're not going to ignore it, but we're not going to also dwell on that. We have to make sure we honor those we've lost, but we also [have to] celebrate this music, which lives on, and do a good job having the heart we need to have on that night."

Image result for CMA Awards
So, needless to say, "the Las Vegas tragedy," "gun rights" and "political affiliations" are very much a part of the conversation when it comes to country music these days. What's more, it's something that country performers themselves haven't shied away from talking about. As for those who would threaten the press with revocation of credentials simply for doing their jobs and acknowledging that conversation, well, let's just say this: Country music is a part of the national conversation on politics and gun violence whether you like it or not. Trying to force the media not to talk about it won't make it go away.
Below, a screen-shot of the relevant text from the CMA Awards' media guidelines.

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