DOJ Launches Investigation Of Networks For Suspending TV Pool Amid Trump’s Ban On CNN

The Justice Department has launched an investigation of the five major networks that make up the White House TV pool, a probe focused on whether they violated antitrust laws by suspending participation in protest of Donald Trump‘s ban on CNN.

Emily Covington, a spokesperson for the Justice Department, said in a statement, “Members of the television press pool have boycotted covering White House events. Group boycotts among commercial competitors can violate the Sherman Act. The Antitrust Division is simply investigating to determine whether these news organizations have violated the antitrust laws.” The New York Times first reported on the investigation.

After Trump announced his ban on CNN, Politico and MS NOW from the White House grounds on Sept. 18, CNN also was restricted from the TV pool. As part of a long-running arrangement, CNN, CBS News, ABC News, NBC News and Fox News rotate assignments, providing technical, video and reporting coverage of the president that then is distributed to other networks.

After the CNN freeze out, the other members of the TV pool jointly announced on Sept. 21 that they would suspend their participation.

“The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government. No administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to its reporting,” the five networks said in a statement at the time.

The suspension lasted for about four days, but it came during the White House visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping. That meant that there was a paucity of video coverage of major ceremonies and other events.

ABC confirmed that it has not received any notification of the investigation but it expects to. Other networks in the pool did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The White House has continued to restrict CNN from certain assignments, including flying on Air Force One on presidential trip.