Now that it is a few days after the debate and I have had time to sit and think about the events of that day, I realized two things. Number one is that CNN was generous enough to give a few press passes to students, but then showed no professional courtesy once we were in there. And number two is that the way CNN treated the future reporters of America is not at all how other journalists acted toward us.
In the media filing room, there were five extremely long tables that sat maybe 15 or 20 people. There were cards in front of each seat with a name or organization printed on them. Ours said “UNLV” and right next to us sat a card that read “NewsHour.” It was it a privilege just to sit next to these journalists, but their acceptance and kindness was unexpected. I have to admit, after being treated the way we were by CNN, I half expected the other journalists there to look down on us and not bother with us.
When I first walked in, a reporter from the Washington Post said hello and shook my hand. Then, while Ben Rowley and I set up our laptops at our stations, a reporter from NewsHour made small talk with us, telling us how great he thought it was that we were there.
I really appreciated that the other reporters made me feel like I had just as much a right to be there as they did. I felt like we were on an equal playing field and I am very gracious for their friendly and accepting attitudes.
