Five major U.S. television networks have suspended their participation in pooled coverage of President Donald Trump following the White House’s decision to bar three media organisations from its premises.
ABC, CBS, Fox News, CNN and NBC announced the suspension of their participation in the traditional television news pool, which allows participating broadcasters to share the cost and responsibility of covering presidential events.
Under the long-standing arrangement, the networks take turns providing live footage from events involving the U.S. president. The footage is then distributed to other news organisations, including outlets that may not have their own camera crews at the venue.
The dispute followed the White House’s decision to restrict access for three media organisations, prompting concerns within the U.S. news industry over equal access to presidential events and the implications for press coverage.
The television networks’ decision represents a rare show of solidarity among major competing broadcasters over access to the presidency.
The development could also affect how presidential appearances are covered by news organisations, particularly when the White House restricts access to individual media outlets.
The dispute comes amid continuing tensions between the Trump administration and sections of the U.S. news media over press access, coverage and the administration’s approach to journalists.
The television networks have traditionally played a central role in maintaining the presidential news pool, making their collective suspension a significant development in the ongoing debate over media access to the White House.
