The major television networks in the United States have decided to suspend their participation in the joint coverage of events involving President Donald Trump, after the White House administration restricted access to CNN, MS NOW, and POLITICO.
The decision was communicated through an email sent to the subscribers of the “TV pool” type service by Brian Broughton, the head of the Fox News office in Washington.
“We inform you that, starting from today, the TV pool will no longer cover the events of the designated president for joint coverage”, wrote Broughton.
He explained that the decision comes after the White House prevented CNN from fulfilling its responsibilities within the joint coverage system, and specified that no replacement will be designated for the television network.
The term “TV pool” refers to the group of journalists and television crews who accompany the president and provide footage to other media organizations. The system is particularly used at events where the available space does not allow for the presence of all television networks.
Possible difficulties in transmitting images from the UN
The decision could complicate American television’s access to images of Donald Trump’s activities during this week’s UN General Assembly.
Within the pool-type system, a single television team films events where access is limited, and the footage is then made available to other press organizations.
CNN was set to provide this coverage on Monday on behalf of the TV pool.
However, in the daily schedule transmitted to journalists by the White House on Sunday evening, the joint television service was not mentioned.
The TV pool traditionally consists of the five major American networks: ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, and Fox News.
The White House, on the other hand, pointed to the Hearst company, which owns local television stations in several regions of the US, as the backup team for activities in Washington.
For Trump’s trip to New York, the White House has designated Real America’s Voice as the secondary team, known for its favorable positions towards the president.
It was not immediately clear to what extent these organizations, which are not part of the traditional TV pool structure, will distribute images to other press institutions.
The decision also comes ahead of some important events on the president’s agenda, including his participation in the UN General Assembly and a possible meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
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