WASHINGTON: Four major US television networks have halted their participation in pooled video coverage of President Donald Trump after the White House prevented CNN from carrying out its assigned pool duties, according to reports on Monday.
NBC, ABC, CBS and Fox News joined CNN in the standard television pool that rotates responsibility for covering the president at the White House and during domestic travel. The participating networks then distribute the footage broadly to other media organisations.
However, the four networks decided to stop providing pooled coverage following the White House’s decision involving CNN, according to Politico and other outlets.
Networks Respond to White House Decision on CNN
In an email sent to television pool subscribers and obtained by several news organisations, Fox News’ Washington bureau chief said the suspension followed the White House’s position preventing CNN from performing its scheduled pool assignment.
The development means the usual rotating television pool will, for the time being, stop providing its customary shared video coverage of Trump.
The pool has traditionally maintained a regular presence around the presidency, allowing multiple outlets to receive footage even when space or logistical restrictions prevent every organisation from attending an event.
Five Networks Defend Independent Press Access
Meanwhile, CNN, NBC, ABC, CBS and Fox News issued a joint statement on Monday afternoon defending independent media access to the government.
“The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government,” the networks said.
They added that no administration should restrict a news organisation because it objects to that outlet’s reporting.
The supplied report did not specify how long the suspension of pooled television coverage would continue or provide details about the White House’s reasons for barring CNN from its assigned duties.
Consequently, the dispute leaves uncertainty over how television organisations will handle shared presidential video coverage while the restrictions involving CNN remain in plac
