U.S. Broadcasters Eventually Resume Pool Coverage of Trump, Excluding CNN

[Financial News] Major broadcasters that suspended White House pool coverage in protest after the Donald Trump administration restricted CNN's access to the pool are set to resume their coverage.
According to The New York Times (NYT) on the 26th, local time, four of the five broadcasters that had covered President Trump through the pool arrangement—ABC, the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), CNN, Fox News and the National Broadcasting Company (NBC)—decided to resume coverage after holding private discussions over the weekend. CNN was the only broadcaster to opt out.
The broadcasters decided to resume pool coverage because, in the event of an emergency, the public could have difficulty learning about the president's situation if no camera were available to record him. However, a source also said, "The broadcasters could once again suspend White House television pool coverage at any time through an agreement."
Earlier, after President Trump barred some media outlets, including CNN, MS NOW and Politico, from entering the White House, a federal court granted the outlets' requests for temporary restraining orders and ordered that their access be restored. Even afterward, however, President Trump continued to restrict coverage, including by blocking CNN from accompanying him aboard Air Force One.
Broadcast executives reportedly believe it is practically difficult to continue suspending coverage of President Trump, as the legal battle could drag on if the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) appeals the court's decision. In fact, the Trump administration has been embroiled in a legal dispute for more than a year after barring The Associated Press (AP) from the White House last year.
NYT assessed, "By deciding to resume pool coverage, the broadcasters have given President Trump greater influence over which news organizations can closely cover his schedule."
[email protected] Hong Chae-wan Reporter