US networks halt pooled TV coverage after White House bars three outlets

Major US television networks suspended pooled coverage of President Donald Trump after the White House revoked credentials for CNN, Politico and MSNBC, prompting the barred outlets to announce a lawsuit and several other organizations to withdraw from shared coverage.

The White House announced the ban on Friday, saying the outlets had published “fiction or lies” about the administration; the three news organizations reported their reporters were denied access to the building on Saturday.

Following the credential revocations, CNN, Politico and MSNBC filed suit in US District Court in Washington, stating the White House revoked credentials without notice or process and asserting the action threatens independent journalism.

The disruption left no pool footage of the president boarding Air Force One or arriving in New York for the UN General Assembly. Trump later participated in a ribbon-cutting for a new Marine One helipad on the South Lawn; the event streamed on the White House site but his remarks were inaudible.

Fox News Washington bureau chief Bryan Boughton, who helps organize TV pool arrangements, said in an email that effective immediately the TV pool would not cover events designated as pool coverage, citing the White House’s prevention of CNN from fulfilling pool duties and indicating no replacement pool would be appointed.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The three banned outlets have filed a joint lawsuit alleging credential revocation without process. Several other media organizations refused to participate in pooled coverage or share still images from presidential events. The White House launched its own continuous feed channel streaming presidential clips.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Major networks suspended pooled coverage after CNN, Politico and MSNBC were barred from the White House.
• CNN, Politico and MSNBC filed a lawsuit in US District Court claiming credential revocation without notice or process.
• No network footage captured the president boarding Air Force One or arriving in New York for the UN General Assembly.