Justice Department investigating TV networks that briefly suspended Trump pool coverage
The Justice Department is investigating whether the major TV networks violated antitrust law last month when they briefly suspended their pool coverage of President Donald Trump after he blocked multiple news outlets from fully accessing White House grounds.
TL;DR
- The Justice Department is investigating major TV networks for antitrust law violations.
- The investigation stems from a brief suspension of pool coverage of President Donald Trump.
- The suspension occurred after the White House blocked multiple news outlets from accessing White House grounds.
- ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, and Fox News were asked to provide communications and materials related to the White House TV press pool.
- The White House had rescinded credentials for journalists from CNN, MSNOW, and Politico, citing national security concerns.
- The five networks boycotted coverage of Trump's summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in solidarity.
- A Justice Department spokesperson stated that group boycotts among commercial competitors can violate the Sherman Act.
- The Sherman Act aims to ensure free competition and prohibit monopolistic business activity.
- The networks stated their decision was to ensure accurate, independent information about the government.
- Credentials for some newspapers were restored after a lawsuit and a temporary restraining order, but CNN and Politico are still barred from certain access.
- President Trump has a history of feuding with legacy media companies he believes cover him unfairly.