The Department of Justice is investigating whether ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News and NBC violated federal antitrust law after the networks suspended pooled coverage of the White House last month. The investigation centers on whether their collective action constituted an illegal group boycott under the Sherman Act.
The networks suspended coverage after the Trump administration revoked White House press credentials for reporters from CNN, Politico and MS NOW on September 19. The five broadcasters jointly provide rotating coverage of the president’s activities, sharing footage with other news organizations.
DOJ spokesperson Emily Covington said group boycotts among commercial competitors can violate the Sherman Act, adding that the department’s Antitrust Division is investigating whether the networks violated antitrust laws.
CNN, Politico and MS NOW sued over the restrictions, arguing they violated their First Amendment rights. U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly ordered their access restored after finding the restrictions likely unconstitutional. Their access was reinstated under a temporary restraining order on September 24, with the broader lawsuit still pending.
