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US justice department investigating TV networks over Trump pool coverage
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- The US Department of Justice is investigating whether the White House television press pool's decision to halt coverage of President Trump violated antitrust laws, focusing on potential group boycotts among competing news organizations.
- The investigation follows the White House's revocation of credentials for CNN, MS Now, and Politico on September 19, which led the press pool of five broadcasters to cease presidential coverage temporarily.
- The credential ban was challenged in court and lifted after a judge's ruling, allowing television pool coverage to resume; the pool consists of ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox, and NBC, who share coverage responsibilities and footage.
- Critics, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, argue that the antitrust probe is an intimidation tactic by the government that threatens press access and the public's right to know.
- The situation highlights ongoing tensions over press freedom and the administration's efforts to control news coverage of the president.
