DOJ investigates White House TV networks over possible antitrust violations
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The Justice Department is investigating whether television networks violated antitrust laws by suspending coverage of President Donald Trump after the White House restricted access for several news organizations, the Associated Press reported.
The investigation follows a decision last month by a five-network television press pool to halt presidential coverage after the administration barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House.
Justice Department spokesperson Emily Covington said Saturday that coordinated boycotts by competing businesses can violate federal antitrust laws. The department is examining whether the networks' actions crossed that line.
The television pool includes ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox and NBC. Its members rotate responsibility for covering presidential activities and sharing footage with other news organizations.
CNN, MS NOW and Politico challenged their exclusion in court and secured a temporary reprieve that remains in effect until Tuesday. Television pool coverage has since resumed.
The investigation adds another dimension to the administration's dispute with news organizations over press access. The Committee to Protect Journalists criticized the Justice Department's involvement, warning that antitrust enforcement should not be used to pressure media outlets seeking access to government officials.
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