US opens antitrust probe into TV networks halting Trump coverage

Department of Justice says it’s investigating whether the White House press pool’s decision violated antitrust laws. Save Share The United States Department of Justice has opened an investigation into television networks’ decision to halt coverage of President Donald Trump last month. A spokesperson said on Saturday that the department was investigating whether the networks violated federal antitrust laws by their boycott, which followed a White House decisionto pull the credentialsof reporters from three news organisations, including CNN. The ⁠networks under investigation are ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News, said Emily Convington, the Justice Department spokesperson. “Group boycotts among commercial competitors can violate the Sherman Act,” she said of the antitrust legislation. “The Antitrust Division is simply investigating to determine whether these news organizations have violated the antitrust laws.” The investigation is the latest in a series ‌of clashes between the Trump administration and major news organisations. Trump has repeatedly called the mainstream media “fake news” and frequently clashes with reporters during encounters with the press. The action also puts legal and potentially financial pressure on the media to continue coverage of the president even when they disagree with how the White House handles them. The networks did not immediately comment on the announcement. The Justice Department’s move came after the television pool of five broadcasters last month ceased presidential coverage after the administration barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House. The White House said on September 19 that covering the president was a “privilege – not a right”. The outlets ⁠sued the administration, alleging the exclusions violated the First Amendment and that the White House was retaliating over their coverage. CNN is one of the five ⁠news organisations – along with ABC, CBS, Fox News and NBC – ⁠that make up the primaryWhite House television pool. They share the costs of covering the president, take turns organising coverage, and share the footage with outlets around the country. All of the five television networks that cover the White House, including Fox ‌News, suspended coverage in solidarity and refused to provide replacement coverage....