The US Justice Department has launched an investigation into whether five major television networks breached federal antitrust laws by jointly suspending coverage of White House events after President Donald Trump revoked the press credentials of journalists from three news organisations.
The networks stopped participating in the television press pool following the administration’s decision to exclude reporters from CNN, MSNOW and Politico from the White House last month.
Justice Department spokesperson Emily Covington confirmed the probe in a statement sent to CBS News on Saturday, saying the department was examining whether the networks’ coordinated action violated competition laws.
“Members of the television press pool have boycotted covering White House events,” Covington said. “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 department has not explained specifically how the networks’ decision could amount to an offence under the Sherman Act. The federal legislation is intended to curb monopolistic business practices and safeguard competition.
Trump announced in mid-September that his administration was withdrawing the White House credentials of journalists working for CNN, MSNOW and Politico. He accused the media organisations of engaging in “their constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS!”
The administration subsequently sent letters to the three outlets, alleging that articles they had published on several subjects threatened national security and fell short of expected standards of “professionalism and decorum” for reporters.
The publications cited by the White House covered matters including plans for a new ballroom at the presidential residence, the ongoing war with Iran and the Republican midterm convention.
The decision prompted the five networks responsible for the television press pool to announce a joint suspension of coverage in support of the affected media organisations. Their withdrawal took place as Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Washington on a state visit.
In a statement issued collectively, the networks defended the public’s right to receive information about government activities, saying, “The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government. No administration should reject a news organization because it objects to its reporting.”
The television press pool provides video coverage of presidential travel and events through a rotation system, making the footage available to other media outlets.
Following the withdrawal of their credentials, CNN, MSNOW and Politico took the matter to court, asking for their access to the White House to be restored. US District Judge Timothy Kelly granted a temporary restraining order against the president’s decision, after which the journalists’ credentials were reinstated.
However, the restoration of their credentials has not ended all restrictions. The White House has continued to prevent CNN and Politico from entering the Oval Office or boarding Air Force One.
Kelly’s restraining order was due to expire on Thursday, but the judge extended it until next Tuesday while continuing to review the case.
CBS News and CNN are both under Skydance, the parent company created by the merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, which was completed earlier this week.
