Press and Influencers at DNC: A New Dynamic at the United Center
- Traditional press upset over reduced seating at Democratic convention.
- TikTokers given priority with a constructed riser, displacing press members.
- Controversy arises over perceived favoritism towards social media influencers.
The Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center has introduced a significant shift in media access, credentialing 200 social media influencers and establishing a "creator platform" on the convention floor. This move has drawn criticism from traditional media outlets, which received only 47 designated press seats, equipped with basic amenities. A journalist from a competing news organization expressed frustration over the seating arrangement, stating, “We got f*ed equally,” highlighting the disparity in accommodations. Despite concerns from the press, Jaime Harrison, chairman of the Democratic Party, defended the decision, asserting that no seats were taken from traditional media. He emphasized that additional space was created for influencers, maintaining that the press had access to the same resources as in previous conventions. However, the Standing Committee of Correspondents expressed disappointment, urging the DNC to allocate more workspace for print journalists, citing a reduction in dedicated seating that could impede their coverage of the event. In addition to the limited traditional press seating, the DNC has provided around 130 extra stadium seats in a less favorable location, lacking essential power sources for journalists. The costs for workspace in the adjacent media filing center have also surged, with prices reaching $911 per seat, a stark contrast to the $100 charged at the recent Republican National Convention. As journalists navigate these challenges, a DNC spokesperson reassured that the convention would reflect the party's commitment to a free press.