The White House Correspondents’ Association blasted CNN on Thursday for banning reporters not affiliated with the network from the hall where the first presidential debate is held.

In a statement issued just hours before the debate, the organization that represents news outlets that cover the White House, including The Washington Times, said it was “deeply concerned” about the lack of access.

Under current debate rules, a print reporter traveling with President Biden, known as a “pool reporter” because they provide updates to other outlets, will only have access to the debate studio during commercial breaks. A pool of still photographers will be allowed in the studio.

By banning the pool reporter from the debate hall, no reporter will be able to capture any off-script remarks and coverage will only reflect what CNN cameras show during the event. The debate moderators — Dana Bash and Jake Tapper — are expected to be the only journalists in the room.

“Through conversations and advocacy we urged CNN to grant access to at least one print pool reporter for the duration of the debate,” the Correspondents Association said in a statement.

“This is not sufficient in our view and diminishes a core principle of presidential coverage,” the statement said. “The White House pool has a duty to document, report and witness the president’s events and his movements on behalf of the American people.”

Both the Biden and Trump campaigns said they would support allowing the press pool into the room for the debate, but CNN refused saying late Thursday that the debate is “closed to the press.” Journalists not affiliated with CNN who wish to observe the debate will have to do so on a television in a separate building from the debate hall.

In a statement, CNN defended the decision.

“As proud members of the White House Correspondents Association, we respect the role the organization plays and their support for press freedom and access. CNN’s Presidential Debate is being held without an audience in a CNN studio and is closed to the press,” the network said.

The statement said its approach was “traditional.”

• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.