DOJ investigates five networks

The Justice Department is investigating NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN and Fox News for potentially violating federal antitrust laws after the networks temporarily declined to provide pool coverage of President Donald Trump.

Civil investigative demands sent

The department sent out civil investigative demands on Friday to the five networks that make up the White House TV press pool, according to a Justice Department official.

Sherman Act violation alleged

Justice Department spokeswoman Emily Covington said group boycotts among commercial competitors can violate the Sherman Act and the Antitrust Division is investigating whether these news organizations violated antitrust laws.

“Group boycotts among commercial competitors can violate the Sherman Act.”

What the pool system does

The pool is a rotating group of networks that share duties recording the president's activities during public appearances and travel. The performing network distributes video footage and audio to other outlets.

CNN barred from White House

Last month, Trump barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House grounds, citing what he said was their constant reporting of fake news.

Networks defend press freedom

The five major networks released a joint statement saying the public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government and no administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to…

“The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government.”

Court temporarily restored access

CNN, MS NOW and Politico sued to block the ban, claiming it violated the First Amendment.

Press freedom group condemns probe

Bruce D. Brown, president of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, said the First Amendment protects news organizations' coverage decisions and called the investigation another and even more brazen attempt to intimidate journalists.