Attorney Challenges Olympia for Denying Press Pass to Radio Host

Ari Hoffman, a talk radio host, was denied a legislative press pass, prompting a legal challenge over the credentialing process.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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Ari Hoffman, an afternoon drive host on Talk Radio 570 KVI, revealed that he was denied a legislative press pass by the Washington State Capitol Correspondents Association (CCA), despite being an award-winning journalist and broadcaster. Hoffman is now being represented by Jackson Maynard of the Citizen Action Defense Fund (CADF), who argues the credentialing process is unconstitutional and selectively enforced.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about press freedom and access, as well as questions about the transparency and fairness of the legislative credentialing process in Washington state. It highlights the ongoing tensions between media outlets, advocacy groups, and government bodies over who should be granted press credentials.

The details

Hoffman noted that the denial appeared arbitrary, as his producer and even his wife, who works for a different outlet, were all approved for credentials while he was excluded. Maynard said this is not the first time the legislature or the CCA has faced scrutiny over press access, and that the organization needs to have fair, published guidelines that are applied consistently.

  • Ari Hoffman revealed the denial of his press pass this week.
  • Hoffman's attorney, Jackson Maynard, joined him on the show to discuss the case on February 2, 2026.

The players

Ari Hoffman

An afternoon drive host on Talk Radio 570 KVI, who was denied a legislative press pass by the Washington State Capitol Correspondents Association (CCA).

Jackson Maynard

An attorney with the Citizen Action Defense Fund (CADF), who is representing Ari Hoffman in his challenge to the credentialing process.

Washington State Capitol Correspondents Association (CCA)

The organization that denied Ari Hoffman a legislative press pass, citing his public advocacy and political commentary as disqualifying him from being an 'independent journalist'.

Citizen Action Defense Fund (CADF)

The organization that is representing Ari Hoffman in his challenge to the credentialing process, arguing that it is unconstitutional and selectively enforced.

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What they’re saying

“This is a rather odd interview for me, because normally I'm not the subject of the story. I just wanted a press pass for a day because I was already going to be here broadcasting anyway — and stupidly, the Capitol Correspondents Association said I couldn't have one.”

— Ari Hoffman, Talk Radio Host (kvi.com)

“Freedom of the press is one of the most important rights that we have...you're being unconstitutionally restricted.”

— Ari Hoffman, Talk Radio Host (kvi.com)

“This came up last year with other members of the media. The legislature has the right to determine who has access to their facilities — we're not contesting that. But they need to be fair, and they need to have guidelines that apply to everyone in an even-handed way.”

— Jackson Maynard, Attorney, Citizen Action Defense Fund (kvi.com)

“Opinion is an important part of the media and the news-gathering process. If participating in policy discussions makes you ineligible, then that standard would apply to virtually every major newsroom in the state — and it clearly isn't being applied that way.”

— Jackson Maynard, Attorney, Citizen Action Defense Fund (kvi.com)

What’s next

Maynard confirmed that CADF has submitted a public records request seeking internal communications and documents related to Hoffman's denial. He said the organization needs to publish clear guidelines and apply them fairly, or else they will be violating fundamental principles of freedom of the press.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between media outlets, advocacy groups, and government bodies over press access and credentialing. It raises important questions about transparency, fairness, and the potential for anti-competitive practices in the legislative credentialing process.