Saturday, November 4, 2017

CMA Apologizes, Lifts CMA Awards Media Restrictions

The Country Music Association Friday lifted its controversial restrictions on the media at next week's CMA Awards, following widespread criticism. according to The Tennessean.

"CMA apologizes for the recently distributed restrictions in the CMA Awards media guidelines, which have since been lifted," the organization announced in a press release Friday. "The sentiment was not to infringe and was created with the best of intentions to honor and celebrate Country Music."

The CMA had previously asked media outlets to avoid questions about the recent mass shooting in Las Vegas, gun rights or political affiliations at the awards show, or risk losing their credentials and being escorted by security off the premises.

Among the policy's many critics was Brad Paisley, who has co-hosted the show for the last decade.

"I'm sure the CMA will do the right thing and rescind these ridiculous and unfair press guidelines," Paisley wrote on Twitter on Friday.  "In 3...2....1....."



In their original media guidelines, the association said the restrictions were "out of respect for the artists directly or indirectly involved" and they wanted everyone "to feel comfortable talking to press." Media who strayed from the guidelines could have their credentials "potentially revoked via security escort."

The section of the CMA’s guidelines was first noticed Thursday by The Nashville Scene, and within hours, dozens of industry members and artists were sharing their reactions. The critics included a previous CMA nominee, Will Hoge.

On Twitter, Hoge said the CMA “should be ashamed of this. As should every journalist, artist, and writer involved in the show.”

Famed singer-songwriter Ryan Adams also chimed in, tweeting a sarcastic list of approved topics for the press, including "Bacon" and "Cussin' at snakes."

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