Justice Dept investigates networks over Trump pool coverage

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 01:24 · Archive

The US Justice Department is investigating whether five television networks violated antitrust law by briefly stopping White House coverage.

The US Justice Department is investigating whether five major television networks violated federal antitrust laws through their decision to boycott White House pool coverage. The networks under investigation are ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News.

The networks briefly stopped providing pool coverage of the White House following Donald Trump's decision to pull the credentials of reporters from three news organisations: CNN, Politico and MS Now. Coverage was later reinstated.

A Justice Department spokesperson said on Saturday that 'group boycotts among commercial competitors can violate the Sherman Act'. The Antitrust Division stated it is investigating to determine whether the news organisations have violated antitrust laws. The networks did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

CNN is one of the five news organisations that make up the primary White House television pool. These networks share the costs of covering the president, take turns organising coverage and distribute footage to outlets across the country.

How it is being reported

• Justice Dept probes networks over Trump pool coverageUS networks ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News are being investigated by the Justice Department over their pool coverage of Donald Trump.The West Australian · 11 Oct, 00:57
• Justice Dept probes networks over Trump pool coverageUS networks ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News are being investigated by the Justice Department over their pool coverage of Donald Trump.Perth Now · 11 Oct, 00:57

In this story: Justice Department · ABC · CBS · CNN · NBC · Fox News · Donald Trump · Politico

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