Justice department investigates TV networks over Trump pool boycott
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 03:37 · Archive
The US justice department is investigating whether major television networks violated antitrust laws by suspending press pool coverage after President Trump blocked three outlets from the White House.
The US justice department is investigating whether five major television networks violated federal antitrust law by suspending their White House press pool system last month. The networks temporarily halted coverage in solidarity after President Trump blocked CNN, MSNOW and Politico from the White House, citing what he described as their "constant 'reporting' FAKE NEWS".
The DoJ has asked ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News to provide communications related to the press pool. A DoJ spokesperson said "group boycotts among commercial competitors can violate the Sherman Act", referring to the federal law against monopolistic business practices. The Antitrust Division said it was investigating to determine whether the news organisations violated antitrust laws, though CBS News reported it was unclear how the department was defining the move as a violation.
The three blocked outlets sued the Trump administration, arguing the restricted access violated their First Amendment rights to press freedom. A judge later ruled in their favour, and the White House reinstated their credentials. The suspension of the press pool occurred while Chinese President Xi Jinping was visiting Washington.
How it is being reported
- DOJ investigating TV networks over suspension of press pool after Trump media banThe Justice Department is investigating whether the major TV networks violated antitrust laws after they briefly suspended the TV press pool system in response to President Trump's decision to ban three news organizations from the White House.CBS News · 11 Oct, 03:21
- US justice department investigates TV networks over Trump pool coverageThe White House had blocked access for CNN, MS Now and Politico, leading them to restrict pool coverage.BBC News · 11 Oct, 01:49
In this story: Donald Trump · CNN · CBS · NBC · ABC · Fox News · MSNOW · Politico
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