Major US news networks face probe over White House coverage boycott

US television networks are under investigation for potentially violating federal antitrust laws over decisions to boycott covering the White House following its decision to pull the credentials of reporters from three news organisations.

The US Justice Department said the networks under investigation include ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News.

"Group boycotts among commercial competitors can violate the Sherman Act," a Justice Department spokesperson said.

"The Antitrust Division is simply investigating to determine whether these news organisations have violated the antitrust laws."

The investigation is the latest in a series of clashes between the Trump administration and major news organisations.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly called the mainstream media "fake news" and frequently clashed with reporters.

The action also puts legal and potentially financial pressure on the media to continue coverage of the president even when they disagree with how the White House handles them.

The networks did not immediately respond to requests from Reuters for comment.

The New York Times was first to report about the probe.

The investigation comes after weeks of tension between the White House and the press.

Credentials revoked in September

On September 19, the White House blocked reporters from CNN, Politico, and MS NOW from entering the building, revoking their credentials.

The White House said covering the president was a "privilege — not a right".

The outlets sued the administration, alleging the exclusions violated the First Amendment and that the White House was retaliating over their coverage.

CNN is one of the five news organisations — along with ABC, CBS, Fox News and NBC — that make up the primary White House television pool.

They share the costs of covering the president, take turns organising coverage and share the footage with outlets around the country.

All of the five television networks that cover the White House suspended coverage in solidarity and refused to provide replacement coverage.

The White House reinstated the credentials on September 24 after US District Judge Timothy Kelly ruled that the ban was likely unconstitutional and ordered the administration to "immediately return, reinstate, and restore" their access.

However, disputes over access to specific presidential events and pool assignments continued afterward.