Justice Department Says It Is Investigating TV Networks Over White House Pool Boycott

The U.S. Justice Department confirmed on October 10 that its Antitrust Division is investigating whether ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News violated competition law by temporarily suspending White House television pool coverage. The department has sought communications about the pool, which shares presidential footage with other media. Spokesperson Emily Covington said group boycotts by commercial competitors can violate the Sherman Act. The networks suspended pooled coverage in September after the White House barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico, while continuing their general reporting. Pool coverage has since resumed, and a judge temporarily restored the barred outlets' access.