CMA changes policy on Vegas, NRA, political questions at awards show

Friday, November 3, 2017 – The Country Music Association's efforts to limit questions by the press ended with the CMA's backtracking on the issue.

In media guidelines issued on Thursday, the CMA told journalists that they could not ask questions of those walking down the red carpet and backstage about "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," the guidelines read. "If you are reported as straying from these guidelines, your credential will be reviewed and potentially revoked via security escort."

The initial decision was met with derision from artists and the press. CMA co-host Brad Paisley made it clear in a tweet that he thought it was the wrong decision. "I'm sure the CMA will do the right thing and rescind these ridiculous and unfair press guidelines. In 3...2....1...." he tweeted on Thursday.

Maren Morris also tweeted her disapproval, "Country music has always been about the truth. Out of respect for the Las Vegas victims, let's keep it that way."

By Friday, the CMA changed its tune. " 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."

Paisley tweeted his approval. "Bravo CMA awards for doing the right thing & apologizing for this mistake. All are welcome, let's have a great show."