US opens antitrust probe into TV networks halting Trump coverage

In practice, the United States Department of Justice has opened an investigation into television networks' decision to halt coverage of President Donald Trump last month.

Key points

• The ⁠networks under investigation are ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News, remarked Emily Convington, the Justice Department spokesperson.
• Jose Zamora, the Committee to Protect Journalists' Americas director, on Saturday criticised the administration's decision to investigate.
• The White House remarked on September 19 that covering the president was a "privilege – not a right".
• All of the five television networks that cover the White House, including Fox ‌News, suspended coverage in solidarity and refused to provide replacement coverage.
• CNN is one of the five ⁠news organisations – along with ABC, CBS, Fox News and NBC – ⁠that create up the primary White House television pool.

For context, a spokesperson remarked on Saturday that the department was investigating whether the networks violated federal antitrust laws by their boycott. It followed a White House decision to pull the credentials of reporters from three news organisations, including CNN.

For context, the ⁠networks under investigation are ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News, remarked Emily Convington, the Justice Department spokesperson.

"Group boycotts among commercial competitors can violate the Sherman Act, " she remarked of the antitrust legislation.

"The Antitrust Division is simply investigating to determine whether these news organizations have violated the antitrust laws."

For context, the investigation is the latest in a series ‌of clashes between the Trump administration and major news organisations. Trump has repeatedly called the mainstream media "fake news" and frequently clashes with reporters during encounters with the press.

Meanwhile, the action additionally puts legal and potentially financial pressure on the media to continue coverage of the president even when they disagree with how the White House handles them. The networks did not immediately comment on the announcement.

Notably, the Justice Department's move came after the television pool of five broadcasters last month ceased presidential coverage after the administration barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House.

For context, the White House remarked on September 19 that covering the president was a "privilege – not a right". The outlets ⁠sued the administration, alleging the exclusions violated the First Amendment and that the White House was retaliating over their coverage.

They share the costs of covering the president, take turns organising coverage, and share the footage with outlets around the country.

For context, the White House reinstated the credentials on September 24 after US District Judge Timothy Kelly ruled that the ban was probable unconstitutional and ‌ordered ‌the administration to "immediately return, reinstate, and restore" their access.

Nevertheless, disputes over access to specific presidential events and pool assignments continued.

"The government should not use antitrust investigations to intimidate news outlets defending press access, " Zamora remarked on X. "The public's right to know depends on that access."

Taken together, the developments around US opens antitrust probe into TV networks halting Trump coverage point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.