TV networks resume covering White House as press access fight continues
WBD•US television networks resumed White House coverage as a legal battle continued over restrictions on CNN, MS NOW and Politico. A federal judge ordered the administration to restore the outlets’ access, which had been reinstated on Thursday.
1. Pool coverage resumes
Television networks resumed covering White House events on Friday, providing the first live pool access for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit. The pool aired video of Xi’s arrival and the leaders’ tour of the National Archives. CNN, ABC, CBS, Fox News and NBC share coverage costs and rotate coverage.
2. Litigation continues
Trump banned CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House over coverage he asserted was false or negative. A federal judge deemed the ban likely unconstitutional and ordered access restored, but the court has not resolved the outlets’ main First Amendment challenge. The outlets have until September 28 to ask the judge to keep access in place while the case proceeds. CNN said Friday it had been barred from traveling with Trump on Air Force One for a weekend trip to Tennessee.
