Five major United States television networks have suspended their shared coverage of the White House in protest against President Donald Trump’s decision to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House.
ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox and NBC announced the suspension of their television “pool” coverage on Monday, a system in which one broadcaster provides video coverage of presidential events for other television networks.
The move came as CNN, MS NOW and Politico filed a federal lawsuit challenging the White House decision, arguing that the ban violates constitutional protections for freedom of the press and due process.
CNN had been scheduled to provide Monday’s White House television pool coverage, including coverage of Trump’s trip to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.
In a joint statement, the five networks said the public has an important interest in receiving accurate and independent information about the government and argued that news organisations should not be restricted because of their reporting.
The suspension means the networks did not provide their usual pooled television coverage of Trump’s activities on Monday.
Trump defends media ban
Trump has defended his decision to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico, accusing the organisations of publishing what he described as “fake news.”
The President said the White House was not attacking press freedom but was targeting what he considered false reporting.
Vice President JD Vance also defended the decision, saying the affected organisations could continue reporting but would no longer have access to offices inside the White House.
The three organisations have rejected the administration’s position and are challenging the restrictions in court.
Journalists denied access
The dispute escalated over the weekend when journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico were denied access to the White House grounds and had their press credentials revoked.
The organisations said their journalists were blocked without adequate notice or process and argued that the restrictions could interfere with independent reporting on the US government.
Trump had announced the ban on September 18, accusing the three outlets of repeatedly publishing what he called false reports. He also warned that other media organisations could face similar restrictions.
The legal challenge and the decision by the major television networks to suspend pooled coverage have intensified the dispute between the Trump administration and several major US news organisations.
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