Justice Department Opens Antitrust Probe Into TV Networks

The Justice Department plans to investigate whether five TV news outlets violated antitrust law. The question is their decision to suspend pool coverage of President Trump.

• 5 networks were notified: CNN, CBS News, ABC News, NBC News and Fox News.
• The networks briefly paused pool coverage after Trump barred three outlets.
• The barred outlets were CNN, MS NOW and Politico.
• The networks declined to comment or did not respond to requests.

Why it matters: A department spokesperson said group boycotts among commercial competitors can violate the Sherman Act. The spokesperson said the Antitrust Division is investigating whether the networks broke antitrust laws.

• The networks have coordinated pool coverage for decades without a legal challenge.
• Variety reports the department's legal standing may be in doubt.

How 42 sources split on this story

Where they split: The dispute is whether a joint pause in pool coverage is protected press activity or an unlawful boycott among competitors.

What’s next: CNN, MS NOW and Politico sued Trump and administration officials in late September over the access ban.

• A federal judge has temporarily blocked the ban while the case continues.
• Will the Justice Department bring formal antitrust action against any network?
• How will the probe affect future pool coverage arrangements?