WASHINGTON, D.C. — Five major US television networks — ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News and NBC — have suspended their shared television pool coverage of President Donald Trump’s events following the White House’s decision to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico from access to the White House.
The decision means the networks will not provide pooled television coverage of Trump’s presidential events, including his appearances during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The five networks normally rotate responsibility for covering the president and share the footage with other news organizations.
Trump announced the ban on September 18, accusing CNN, MS NOW and Politico of publishing what he called “fake news.” He later said the decision was based on what he described as the outlets’ cumulative coverage over the previous two years.
The affected news organizations have challenged the White House decision in court, arguing that the restrictions violate constitutional protections for freedom of the press.
In a joint statement, the five television networks said the public has an interest in receiving accurate and independent information about the government and argued that news organizations should not be restricted because of their reporting.
