Politics · United States · 3 hrs ago
Justice Department opens antitrust probe of five TV networks
The U.S. Justice Department has opened a formal antitrust investigation into ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News.
The probe concerns the networks’ actions during a legal dispute over access to the White House.
The dispute began after the administration barred CNN, MSNOW and Politico, saying their coverage was unfair.
It also revoked press passes for more than 70 journalists, and the affected organizations sued to regain access.
The Justice Department says its actions are based on national security, while press rights groups have condemned the investigation.
A federal judge has temporarily ordered the press passes restored, with a final decision expected by Tuesday evening.
The Justice Department has opened a formal antitrust investigation into five major U.S. television networks.
The networks are ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News.
The investigation concerns their actions during a legal battle over access to the White House.
The move follows the Trump administration’s decision to bar CNN, MSNOW and Politico from the White House, citing unfair negative coverage.
Press rights groups have denounced the investigation, while the administration says its actions are based on national security grounds.
- Who
- The Justice Department is investigating ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News.
- What
- It has opened a formal antitrust investigation into the networks’ actions during a legal battle over White House access.
- When
- The article was published on October 12, 2026; the investigation’s opening date is not stated.
- Where
- The United States, in connection with access to the White House.
- Why
- The investigation concerns the networks’ actions during a legal battle over White House access. The Justice Department is citing national security grounds for its actions.
Press rights groups and affected news organizations
Justice Department
White House access
Press rights groups and affected news organizations
Press rights groups have denounced the investigation, and affected news organizations have sued to restore their access.
Justice Department
The Justice Department has opened a formal antitrust investigation into the networks’ actions during the access dispute.
Basis for government action
Press rights groups and affected news organizations
The groups oppose the move, which followed the barring of news organizations from the White House.
Justice Department
The Justice Department is citing national security grounds for its actions.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
Trump barred CNN, MSNOW and Politico from the White House, citing unfair negative coverage.
The affected news organizations sued to restore their access.
The Justice Department had opened a formal antitrust investigation into five television networks.
A federal judge had temporarily ordered the restoration of journalists’ press passes; a final decision was expected by Tuesday evening.
- Networks investigated
- ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News
- Government agency
- U.S. Justice Department
- Issue
- Actions during a legal battle over White House access
- Press passes
- More than 70 journalists had their White House press passes revoked
- Court order
- A federal judge temporarily ordered the passes restored
Sources
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