From TIME · Chad de Guzman · · 1m 20s
White House launches Trump TV amid press ban feud
As major networks boycott pool coverage over outlet bans, the White House debuts a 24/7 video feed showcasing the President's achievements.
In brief
As major networks boycott pool coverage over outlet bans, the White House debuts a 24/7 video feed showcasing the President's achievements. The White House is bypassing traditional media with its own streaming channel while simultaneously restricting access for critical news organizations. Originally reported by TIME.
White House bans three news outlets
CNN, MSNBC, and Politico were banned from the White House on Friday over negative coverage of the President. The outlets have sued on free speech grounds.
“No Administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to its reporting.”
Networks boycott pool coverage in solidarity
ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News, and NBC suspended television pool coverage of presidential events in response to the ban, leaving Monday's helipad ceremony without standard press coverage.
White House launches Trump TV
A new 24/7 YouTube stream called Trump TV went live Monday evening, featuring the Administration's achievements and past moments. The White House says not every big moment has made it on TV before.
“Not every big moment has made it on your tv, now it can.”
Critics call it state-run media
Democratic leaders including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly condemned Trump TV as autocratic state-run media, comparing it to tactics used by Russia, China, and Iran.
“This is truly autocratic behavior from a failed President.”
Press advocates warn of democracy threat
Former White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham and CBS correspondent Weijia Jiang warned that government-controlled media undermines American democracy by preventing independent observation of power.
“America cannot have state TV. That's what makes America America.”
What to remember
The White House is bypassing traditional media with its own streaming channel while simultaneously restricting access for critical news organizations.
