Major TV networks suspend pool coverage of Trump after CNN ban

ABC: ABC is a major American broadcast television network known for its news division and coverage of national events. It participates in the rotating television pool responsible for providing shared footage of presidential activities to media outlets worldwide. In this news, ABC joined other networks in suspending pooled coverage after the White House blocked CNN from its assigned duties. CBS: CBS is a leading American television network with a prominent news operation that covers politics and White House events. It has historically shared pool coverage responsibilities with other major networks on a rotating basis. CBS agreed to halt its participation in the TV pool for President Trump’s events following the dispute over CNN’s exclusion. CNN: CNN is a global cable news network that regularly provides pool coverage for presidential travel and events as part of a rotating consortium with other major networks. It had been scheduled to cover President Trump’s travel to the United Nations General Assembly. CNN joined MS NOW and Politico in announcing a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the access ban. NBC: NBC is a major U.S. broadcast network with a dedicated news division that contributes to pooled presidential coverage. It rotates pool responsibilities alongside ABC, CBS, CNN, and Fox News. NBC suspended its pool coverage activities in response to the White House barring CNN from its scheduled duties. MS NOW: MS NOW is a cable news outlet focused on political coverage and analysis. It has been part of the broader media access to the White House. Along with CNN and Politico, it stated it would sue the Trump administration for barring its journalists from White House grounds. Fox News: Fox News is a cable news network that provides extensive coverage of U.S. politics and the presidency. Bryan Boughton serves as its Washington bureau chief and acting chair of the television pool consortium. Fox News announced the suspension of pool duties in a note to members, citing the White House’s prevention of CNN from fulfilling its role. Politico: Politico is a news organization specializing in political reporting and White House coverage. It participates in media access arrangements at the White House. Politico joined CNN and MS NOW in a joint statement announcing legal action against the administration’s decision to confiscate press badges. Bryan Boughton: Bryan Boughton is the Washington bureau chief at Fox News and currently serves as the acting chair of the television pool consortium. He issued the note informing pool members of the suspension of coverage for presidential events. Boughton attributed the decision directly to the White House’s position on CNN. President Trump: Donald Trump is the current President of the United States. His administration banned journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from White House grounds and prevented CNN from serving in the TV pool rotation. The president defended the moves in a social media post, framing them as an action against fake news. Legal Action: CNN, MS NOW and Politico announced plans to sue the Trump administration over the ban on their journalists entering the White House grounds. Pool Suspension: Major television networks agreed to suspend their pooled coverage of President Trump after the White House prevented CNN from performing its assigned duties. Presidential Defense: President Trump stated that the measures target fake news rather than constituting an assault on the free press.