Four major television networks suspended their White House pool coverage on Monday after the administration expelled CNN from the press pool.
The standoff intensified on Monday when ABC, CBS, Fox News, and NBC pulled their camera crews from White House pool assignments. The move followed a decision on Sept. 18 by President Donald Trump to ban CNN, MS NOW, and Politico reporters from the White House, with the president accusing the outlets of reporting FAKE NEWS
in a social media post.
Television Networks Join Forces in Solidarity Boycott
The five major networks normally share the logistical and financial burden of providing televised coverage of the president during public events and travel, rotating representatives to distribute footage globally. By Monday, four of those networks decided to halt their participation entirely. President Trump accused all three banned outlets of reporting FAKE NEWS in a social media post, and further warned that other outlets could follow, later alluding to the New York Times and the Washington Post as being potential targets.
“The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government. No administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to its reporting.”
ABC, CBS, Fox News and NBC, via joint statement
The networks also stated in their joint release that no administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to its reporting. Collectively, the five organizations share the responsibility of providing televised coverage of the president as he travels and holds public events, splitting financial costs by rotating representatives and distributing footage worldwide. CNN was specifically scheduled to cover Trump’s appearance on Monday to cut the ribbon on the new helipad at the White House, according to reporting from the New York Times.
White House Launches Streaming Alternative Amid Press Blackout
Faced with the blackout from traditional broadcasters, the administration introduced a round-the-clock YouTube streaming channel titled “Trump TV.” The channel was created to broadcast announcements and archival footage directly to the public.
Programming on the newly established channel has blended official administrative updates with commercial entertainment content.
The White House has launched a 24/7 streaming channel on YouTube called “Trump TV” after major TV networks banded together to boycott coverage of pool events.
Source 1
The channel has mixed administration clips with syndicated television shows and feature films, including Friends
, The Simpsons
, Seinfeld
, Family Guy
, Modern Family
, Breaking Bad
, Home Alone
, and The Dark Knight
. The channel was specifically described as “updated in real time, with top past moments, announcements, and the latest and greatest from the administration all in one place.”
Banned Outlets File Lawsuit Over First Amendment Violations
While the networks withheld their crews, legal action began. CNN, MS NOW, and Politico filed a lawsuit against the administration on Monday, arguing Trump’s efforts to ban them from the White House violated their First Amendment rights.
The president has indicated that additional news organizations could face similar restrictions, leaving the future structure of the White House press pool and independent media access deeply uncertain.
