US TV Networks Boycott Trump Coverage Over White House Media Ban

Washington DC: Major US television networks have suspended their coverage of President Donald Trump's White House events following the administration's decision to bar CNN, Politico and MS NOW from the White House. ABC, CBS, Fox News and NBC joined CNN in suspending the joint television pool coverage in protest against the ban.

With CNN, one of the five networks that rotate responsibility for the White House television pool, barred from carrying out its assigned duties, the joint pool suspended coverage of presidential events. As a result, Trump's speech at the inauguration of a new White House helipad was broadcast live without audio, with only video available.

As part of the protest against the ban, The Washington Post, The New York Times and the Associated Press delayed publishing photographs from the White House until midnight. Trump, however, has claimed that the restrictions were not aimed at curbing press freedom but were imposed in the interest of national security, while accusing the targeted media organisations of spreading “fake news.”

CNN, Politico and MS NOW have approached a court seeking temporary relief from the ban and restoration of their reporters' access to the White House. Several media organisations have also condemned the administration's action.