Major US networks halt Trump coverage as White House bans CNN and Politico
Four US networks stopped covering Trump after the White House revoked press credentials from CNN, MS NOW and Politico.
Four major US television networks halted coverage of Donald Trump on Monday. They acted in protest after the White House revoked press credentials from CNN, MS NOW and Politico.
The three banned outlets filed a federal lawsuit alleging violations of First Amendment press rights and Fifth Amendment due process. They asked for an expedited court hearing.
Hours later, ABC, CBS, Fox News and NBC announced via memo they would stop filming presidential events. The Washington Post joined in by halting publication of photographs of the president's activities.
The TV networks said they were acting to defend independent journalism. The TV networks said the public has a right to accurate information about government.
Without a TV pooler, a cost-sharing arrangement where networks take turns recording and sharing live feeds, Trump's public events will have little video coverage. This is unless the White House provides its own footage.
- CNN, MSNOW, Politico
- Banned outlets
- ABC, CBS, Fox News, NBC
- Networks halting coverage
Why it mattersThe standoff raises fundamental questions about press freedom and government control of media access to the president, with major outlets united against credential restrictions.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but if press restrictions escalate, it signals a broader threat to independent journalism standards that Australian media outlets also follow.
Corroborated bytheguardian.com
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 d ago
