The Justice Department plans to investigate whether five TV news outlets violated antitrust law. The question is their decision to suspend pool coverage of President Trump.
Why it matters: A department spokesperson said group boycotts among commercial competitors can violate the Sherman Act. The spokesperson said the Antitrust Division is investigating whether the networks broke antitrust laws.
Where they split: The dispute is whether a joint pause in pool coverage is protected press activity or an unlawful boycott among competitors.
Left coverage, 18 sources: The left frames the probe as an escalation in the White House's fight with the press, with a questionable legal basis.
What’s next: CNN, MS NOW and Politico sued Trump and administration officials in late September over the access ban.
