A group of senior journalists sent a letter to CNN on Wednesday urging it to allow additional media access to the debate.
The letter, signed by reporters from The New York Times, The Washington Post, Bloomberg News and The Associated Press, pleaded with CNN to grant access to pool reporters who represent a coalition of news organizations and can gather information on their behalf.
The letter noted that before the debates were hosted by the Commission on Presidential Debates, reporters from the White House Correspondents' Association were allowed access.
“During my time on the committee, we had a swimming pool in the venue which allowed us to record on-site events, including news that was not caught on camera. As you know, there is much more to the debate than what is shown on television,” the letter said.
CNN declined to comment. According to company policy, the debate takes place in a CNN studio that is off-limits to media, but still photographers are allowed in. Print reporters are allowed in during commercial breaks.
The White House Correspondents' Association said in a statement Thursday that it was “deeply concerned” about the lack of access to the debate.
“White House investigators are tasked with documenting, reporting on, and testifying about the President's events and actions on behalf of the American people,” the statement said.