Networks Halt TV Pool Coverage Of Trump In Protest Of President’s Ban On CNN

When Donald Trump travels to New York on Monday, there will be no primary TV pool, after major networks declined to replace CNN in the regular rotation after it was banned from White House and other coverage of the president.

CNN was scheduled to serve as the pool network, but the White House released a schedule late Sunday showing that was no longer the case. On Friday, Trump announced a ban on CNN, Politico and MS NOW from White House access because of their negative coverage of him.

The five major networks in the pool — CNN, Fox News, ABC, NBC and CBS — indicated that there would be no such TV coverage as long as the restrictions remain in place.

“This is to advise that, effective today, the TV pool will not be covering events designated as pool coverage of the president,” read a message from Fox News Washington bureau chief Brian Boughton, who is currently chairing the pool. “This follows the White House’s position preventing CNN from fulfilling its assigned pool duties. There will be no replacement pool put in place.”

He added, “All other pool coverage will continue as normal, including Congress, VIPs, and selected events in Washington and around this country. We will provide further updates as this situation develops.”

The network boycott of the pool is taking place during an eventful week: Trump is addressing the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. Later in the week, he will host Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington, including for a state dinner.

In a statement, the five networks in the TV pool stated, “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 network pool distributes video and audio to other outlets, a system designed to rotate responsibilities and costs while gaining access where space is limited.

Earlier today, CNN, Politico and MS NOW announced that they were filing a lawsuit against Trump and other members of the administration, claiming First Amendment retaliation and violation of due process. The lawsuit seeks a restoration of journalists’ access and credentials.

Print and radio pool coverage is scheduled to continue, as well as secondary TV poolers.