Brad Paisley Calls Out ‘Ridiculous and Unfair’ CMA Awards Press Guidelines
Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd, and others are also speaking out against the guidelines sent to reporters.
UPDATE: At 11:53 am CST on Friday (Nov. 3), the Country Music Association released a statement lifting the previously announced CMA Awards Media guidelines. The statement reads: “CMA apologizes for the recently distributed restrictions in the CMA Awards media guidelines, which have since been lifted. The sentiment was not to infringe and was created with the best of intentions to honor and celebrate Country Music.”
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The Country Music Association has been catching some flack after sending out its 2017 CMA Awards Media guidelines. In an email sent to media attending the show’s red carpet and backstage media room, guidelines ask members of the press to refrain from topics including politics and the tragic Las Vegas shooting.
“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 (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. 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.”
Longtime CMA Awards co-host Brad Paisley took to Twitter just one day after the guidelines were sent to speak out against the restrictions placed on the media.
“I’m sure the CMA will do the right thing and rescind these ridiculous and unfair press guidelines. In 3…2….1…..,” he wrote.
Several other artists have followed Paisley’s lead. Maren Morris tweeted in agreement, adding that the tragedy should not be filtered.
The Country Music Association has yet to respond to the outcry from both the media and artists.
The 51st annual CMA Awards will air live on Wednesday, November 8 on ABC. Fans can view a complete list of CMA Awards nominees HERE.
