Justice Dept investigating networks over press pool coverage

DOJ opens antitrust probe into TV networks after White House press pool walkout

Justice Department antitrust investigators are examining whether major TV networks violated federal law by jointly suspending White House press pool coverage after President Trump banned three news organizations.

The Justice Department is investigating whether ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox and NBC broke antitrust rules when they briefly halted the television press pool after President Trump rescinded White House credentials for three outlets.

CBS News reported that a department spokesperson confirmed the Antitrust Division review on Saturday, framing the networks’ joint pause as a possible group boycott under the Sherman Act, the longstanding federal law meant to stop monopolistic conduct and keep markets competitive.

The five networks form the TV press pool that covers the president’s travel and events on a rotating basis and feeds video to other newsrooms. Their coordinated suspension followed Trump’s mid-September decision to pull credentials from CNN, MSNOW and Politico.

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