Mon, 06 Nov 2017 10:11:00
The Country Music Association released press guidelines insisting that members of the press refrain from referencing or asking questions about the Las Vegas mass shooting tragedy during their awards show, set to air this Wednesday, November 8th from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The instructions threatened any journalist who broke the guidelines with ejection from the event.
The Route 91 Harvest Festival was interrupted on October 1 of this year, as a shooter opened up fire from a nearby hotel while Jason Aldean performed on stage. The attack was the deadliest mass shooting in American history, with 58 dead and over 540 wounded, and reignited the hot-button nationwide political discussion about gun rights in this nation. The subject is even more timely given a church shooting that left 26 dead this past weekend in Texas.
The gun control conversation has long been connected to the culture of country music, and now all the more so given such a tragedy taking place at a country music festival. But the CMAs felt that such a discussion should be avoided at awards shows that are intended to be a night of great fun.
Brad Paisley, who has costed the Country Music Awards with Carrie Underwood since 2008, led a strong Twitter reaction questioning the wisdom of what sure seems like a heavy-handed attempt at censorship. Other country stars like Maren Morris and Margo Price also joined in protest. The CMAs then changed their position and released a statement to that effect.
The relevant text of the offending press requirements stated:
“In 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.'”
I’m sure the CMA will do the right thing and rescind these ridiculous and unfair press guidelines. In 3…2….1…..
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) November 3, 2017
Country music has always been about the truth. Out of respect for the Las Vegas victims, let’s keep it that way.
— MAREN MORRIS (@MarenMorris) November 3, 2017
And people wonder why I’m not invited…. 🤔😠https://t.co/wY83lUkeC3
— Margo Price (@MissMargoPrice) November 2, 2017
—The ARTISTdirect Staff
11.06.17
This Article Was Originally Posted at www.einnews.com
http://www.einnews.com/article/414967472/ZrySmUt3jtnbOoMQ?ref=rss&ecode=N1bP1tH84JZ33sYs