Justice Department Opens Antitrust Probe Into Five TV Networks Over White House Coverage Boycott

The US Justice Department said Saturday it is investigating whether five major television networks broke federal antitrust law by jointly boycotting White House coverage. The networks under review are ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News. A department spokesperson said group boycotts among commercial competitors can violate the Sherman Act, and that the Antitrust Division is simply working to determine whether any laws were broken. The networks did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Why the White House Press Pool Boycott Started

On Sept. 19, the White House revoked the credentials of reporters from CNN, Politico and MS NOW, saying covering the president is a privilege, not a right. The outlets sued, claiming the move violated the First Amendment and was retaliation for their coverage. All five pool networks, Fox News included, then suspended White House coverage in solidarity and declined to send replacements.

Court Ruling and Ongoing White House Press Access Disputes

On Sept. 24, the White House restored the credentials after US District Judge Timothy Kelly found the ban likely unconstitutional and ordered access returned immediately. Even so, disputes over specific events and pool assignments continued.

The five networks form the main television pool, sharing costs, rotating duties and distributing footage. The probe adds to clashes between the Trump administration and the press, and puts legal pressure on outlets to keep covering the president.