Five major networks, Fox, ABC, CBS, CNN and NBC, have agreed to suspend pooled coverage of President Trump effective immediately. The move comes after the White House banned CNN, MS NOW and Politico over what the president calls “fake news.” The three banned outlets have sued, arguing the ban violates the First Amendment. In a joint statement, the networks said no administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to its reporting.
Pooled coverage is easy to take for granted. One network crew covers a presidential event and shares the feed, and the costs, with everyone else. It means a network doesn’t have to staff every single trip, and local stations across the country get the same footage. CNN had been scheduled to handle the pool for Trump’s Monday trip to the UN General Assembly before its status was revoked. Now that schedule is in limbo.
For Suncoast viewers, the effect is simple. Fewer cameras in the room means fewer pictures of a president who visits Florida regularly, from Sarasota to Tampa. Trump defended the ban on social media, saying he cherishes a free press but is targeting what he calls fake news. Whether you agree with him or the networks, the fight is now in court, and the cameras are the ones waiting on the verdict. Where do you land on this one, should the White House decide who’s allowed in the room?
