DOJ Investigates Major TV Networks Over White House Press Coverage
9 hours ago
The Justice Department is investigating five major television networks over possible antitrust violations involving coordinated decisions about White House press coverage.
The investigation centers on whether ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News and NBC engaged in a group boycott after President Donald Trump restricted White House access for certain news organizations.
The dispute began after the Trump administration barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from participating in the White House television press pool. The networks subsequently took coordinated action regarding pooled coverage.
Justice Department officials argue that agreements among competing companies to participate in a group boycott can violate the Sherman Antitrust Act, which prohibits certain practices that restrict competition.
However, press freedom advocates maintain that news organizations have constitutional protections when making editorial decisions, including decisions about how to cover the White House.
The investigation raises questions about the relationship between federal antitrust enforcement and First Amendment protections for news organizations.
The investigation does not establish that any of the networks violated federal law.
The investigation centers on whether ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News and NBC engaged in a group boycott after President Donald Trump restricted White House access for certain news organizations.
The dispute began after the Trump administration barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from participating in the White House television press pool. The networks subsequently took coordinated action regarding pooled coverage.
Justice Department officials argue that agreements among competing companies to participate in a group boycott can violate the Sherman Antitrust Act, which prohibits certain practices that restrict competition.
However, press freedom advocates maintain that news organizations have constitutional protections when making editorial decisions, including decisions about how to cover the White House.
The investigation raises questions about the relationship between federal antitrust enforcement and First Amendment protections for news organizations.
The investigation does not establish that any of the networks violated federal law.