Several major US television networks have suspended their shared coverage of President Donald Trump’s events after the White House restricted access for journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico.
ABC, CBS, Fox News, CNN and NBC expressed concerns about the importance of providing the public with accurate and independent information about government activities.
The networks declined to arrange replacement coverage after CNN was removed from its scheduled responsibilities within the press pool. The decision has disrupted the established system through which broadcasters share coverage of presidential events.
The White House’s restrictions have also prompted legal action. CNN, MS NOW and Politico have filed a lawsuit challenging the limits placed on their access to presidential activities.
The media organizations are seeking to contest the restrictions, while the dispute has raised broader questions about press access and the relationship between the administration and news outlets.
President Trump has defended the White House’s decision and accused the affected media organizations of publishing what he described as “fake news.”
The disagreement comes amid continuing tensions between the Trump administration and sections of the US news media. The suspension of pooled coverage reflects the growing dispute over journalists’ access to presidential events and the role of independent reporting in informing the public.
