US probes TV networks over Trump coverage halt

The United States Department of Justice has launched an antitrust investigation into major television networks for suspending coverage of President Donald Trump last month.

A Justice Department spokesperson stated that the inquiry is focused on whether the networks violated federal antitrust laws by participating in a group boycott following the White House’s decision to revoke credentials from three news organizations.

The networks under investigation are ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, and Fox News. The spokesperson emphasized that group boycotts among commercial competitors can potentially violate the Sherman Act.

The investigation marks another instance of tension between the Trump administration and major news organizations. Trump has previously criticized the media as 'fake news' and frequently clashed with reporters.

The networks ceased coverage of the president in solidarity after the White House barred CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House press pool. The White House argued that covering the president was a 'privilege – not a right.'

The networks did not immediately respond to the announcement. The White House reinstated the credentials on September 24 after a court ruled the ban likely unconstitutional.