DOJ launches antitrust probe of TV networks over pool coverage

Key Points:

• The Department of Justice is investigating whether a group of television networks violated antitrust laws by boycotting White House press pool coverage in solidarity with CNN after President Trump banned CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House.
• The networks involved in the investigation include ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox News, and CNN, which make up the television press pool responsible for distributing White House event footage to other outlets.
• The boycott was prompted by the White House's refusal to allow CNN to fulfill its pool duties, leading the networks to suspend coverage on September 21, though they have since resumed.
• The media ban was temporarily blocked by a federal judge on September 24, who issued a restraining order requiring the White House to reinstate press passes for the banned outlets while a final decision is pending.
• On the same day as the television boycott, still photography outlets in the White House pool agreed not to publish or distribute photos taken on September 21 until midnight the following day.