US TV networks boycott coverage of Trump's events
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
Five US television networks — FOX News Media, ABC News, CBS News, CNN and NBC News — have suspended joint coverage of events involving US President Donald Trump, Fox News reports.
The decision comes amid a conflict between the White House and CNN, MS NOW and Politico. Trump previously banned the three media outlets from accessing the White House, accusing them of spreading "fake news."
Why the TV networks suspended the shared pool
The White House television pool operates on a rotating basis. Its members take turns covering the president's activities and then share the footage with other newsrooms.
CNN was scheduled to represent the pool on Monday. However, FOX News Media, ABC News, CBS News, CNN and NBC News agreed to suspend the shared coverage.
In a joint statement, the networks stressed that the public should have access to accurate and independent information about the work of the government.
"No administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to its reporting," the pool members said.
On September 18, Trump banned CNN, MS NOW and Politico journalists from working at the White House. Their press credentials were revoked and their access to the complex was restricted.
In response, three media outlets announced their intention to go to court, arguing that the administration's decision violates their rights guaranteed by the First Amendment to the US Constitution.
