Brad Paisley, co-host of the 2017 CMA Awards, called out the Country Music Association in a tweet on Friday morning (Nov. 3), for what he calls “ridiculous and unfair” guidelines for media members covering the upcoming awards show. The singer says he hopes the CMA will re-think their policy.
On Thursday afternoon (Nov. 2), the CMA distributed guidelines for media members approved for red carpet and media room access at the upcoming 2017 CMA Awards. Among the typical technical guidelines and logistical details is a warning to journalists to avoid questions about the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting, gun control and politics, among other controversial topics.
The paragraph detailing those topics verboten on the 2017 CMA Awards red carpet comes near the beginning of the lengthy media guidelines document. The CMA writes that it is making the request “[i]n light of recent events, and out of respect for the artists directly or indirectly involved.”
“It’s vital, more so this year than in year’s [sic] 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,” the media guidelines continue. “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.”
The CMA’s media guidelines explain that those who do not adhere to these rules will have their credentials reviewed “and potentially revoked via security escort.”
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“I’m sure the CMA will do the right thing and rescind these ridiculous and unfair press guidelines,” Paisley’s tweet reads.
Paisley has previously stated that he and co-host Carrie Underwood plan to honor those who died and were injured during the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting, but will try to strike a balance.
“We’re not going to ignore it,” Paisley says, “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,” Paisley adds. “And also the theme of the show this year is very much about unity and coming together as a format.”
The 2017 CMA Awards are scheduled to air on ABC on Nov. 8, at 8PM ET; the ceremony will take place live at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Paisley and Underwood will host the ceremony for the 10th year in a row.
The Boot will be staying up late covering the most buzzed-about winners, fashion and moments at the 2017 CMA Awards. Readers can watch along with us by checking back to TheBoot.com for the latest CMAs headlines, liking The Boot on Facebook and following The Boot on Twitter.
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