Justice Department Investigates TV Networks Over White House Press Pool Boycott

The US Justice Department is investigating ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News and NBC over a television press pool’s decision to skip some White House events.

The probe is being handled by the department’s Antitrust Division, which is looking into whether the networks’ joint action broke competition laws.

The dispute began after President Donald Trump sought to bar CNN, Politico and MS NOW from the White House over their coverage.

The three outlets sued, and a federal judge temporarily blocked the ban while the case continues.

Other networks backed CNN by refusing to take its place in the press pool, which shares footage with outlets around the world.

The full pool resumed coverage on September 25, and the three outlets have been allowed back on White House grounds.

The administration has since argued they are not guaranteed access to some locations, and a Politico reporter was recently blocked from covering a trip.

The Justice Department investigation will determine whether the networks violated antitrust law.