The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) denied credentials for a number of media organizations attempting to cover the annual convention outside of Washington, D.C., this weekend.
During an interview with conservative podcaster and former White House chief of staff Steve Bannon, chair Matt Schlapp argued journalists considered “left-wing” would not be issued media passes.
“If you’re a propagandist, you can buy a ticket like everyone else, but you’re not in the media, and we’re not going to credential you by saying you’re in the media,” he said.
Schlapp reiterated that sentiment during his first speech from the CPAC stage Thursday.
Reporters from the Washington Post, HuffPost and others, were denied credentials to the event, Semafor first reported.
In a statement to The Hill on Thursday afternoon, the Post said “CPAC’s denial of press credentials to The Washington Post is an affront to the role of a free and independent press, and we encourage CPAC to reexamine its decision.”
The Post was one of many mainstream media outlets that extensively covered allegations of sexual misconduct against Schlapp and criticism he has faced from officials within the organization claiming financial and personnel mismanagement.
Journalists from The Hill were credentialed to cover CPAC this year, and a representative for the conference declined to provide a list of media outlets that were approved and denied passes.
Media attention on CPAC is expected to intensify throughout the week, with former President Trump slated to speak at the event Saturday.
Updated: 2:26 p.m.