Justice Department Investigates TV Networks Over Antitrust Law

Investigation Into TV Networks

The Justice Department is scrutinizing five major television networks to determine if they breached federal antitrust laws. This stems from a brief suspension of pooled coverage of President Donald Trump after CNN was denied access to the White House. The networks involved include ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, and Fox News.

Officials contacted these networks, requesting communications and materials related to the White House television pool. This pool is a system where networks share the responsibility of covering the president and distribute footage to other media outlets.

Background of the Inquiry

The inquiry began when these networks halted pooled coverage following CNN’s exclusion from the White House. A U.S. District Judge later issued a temporary restraining order on September 24, restoring CNN’s access. The Justice Department acknowledged their investigation under the Sherman Act on Saturday.

The Justice Department spokesperson stated, “Members of the television press pool have proudly boycotted covering White House events. Group boycotts among commercial competitors can violate the Sherman Act.”

Newsweek reached out to the networks for comments on the situation.

Understanding the Sherman Antitrust Act

The Sherman Antitrust Act, established in 1890, prohibits agreements that restrain trade and efforts to monopolize markets. According to Cornell Law School, the act forbids contracts or conspiracies that restrict interstate commerce and prohibits monopolization attempts.

Two principal sections address anticompetitive behavior. Section 1 targets competitor agreements that restrain trade, while Section 2 focuses on monopolization attempts. Violations could lead to civil and criminal proceedings by the Justice Department.

Historically, the Sherman Act played a role in the breakup of Standard Oil and AT&T. It is also central to cases involving Microsoft and Google.

Focus of the Investigation

The main question is whether the networks’ joint decision to suspend pooled coverage constitutes a group boycott, as per antitrust law. The Justice Department examines if coordination among these media outlets occurred when they stopped providing footage after CNN’s exclusion.

Disputes and Legal Actions

The television pool, comprising CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox News, shares coverage costs and distributes video footage. The dispute arose after Trump barred CNN, Politico, and MS NOW on the grounds of “purposely negative stories.” These organizations sued, claiming First Amendment violations.

A federal judge temporarily blocked restrictions, but the order was due to expire on a Tuesday. The standoff escalated when Politico was barred from traveling on Air Force One, adding tension to the ongoing press access dispute.

Politico confirmed its exclusion and referred to legal filings and prior statements. The White House chose not to comment on the incident.

Ongoing Disputes with Media Outlets

The investigation highlights continued confrontations between the Trump administration and media organizations. The Justice Department previously subpoenaed New York Times reporters and seized a Washington Post journalist’s laptop.

The Associated Press filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over access restrictions, which the AP claimed violated their First Amendment rights. While a federal judge initially restored access, an appeals court allowed restrictions to remain as the case continued.

Reuters and HuffPost faced limited restrictions, despite being excluded from a Cabinet meeting in February 2025. While Reuters has been part of the presidential press pool, HuffPost was scheduled to be the print pool reporter before being replaced.

The outcome of the DOJ’s Sherman Act investigation remains uncertain. The Justice Department continues to assess if the networks’ actions violated federal antitrust laws.

Newsweek’s reporters and editors utilized Martyn, the AI assistant, to develop this story.