Five major US television networks have suspended shared White House pool coverage after President Donald Trump barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House.
ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox and NBC announced the move on Monday, saying the public has a strong interest in receiving accurate and independent information about the government.
The networks said no administration should restrict a news organisation because of objections to its reporting.
The decision came after CNN was scheduled to provide the White House television pool for Monday.
The pool system allows one broadcaster to cover an event and distribute the footage to other television networks.
The suspension meant there was no television pool coverage of Trump’s trip to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, where he was expected to meet several foreign leaders.
Diaspora Digital Media reports CNN, MS NOW and Politico have taken the White House to court over the restrictions.
In their lawsuit, the organisations are seeking an immediate reversal of the ban, arguing that it violates the First Amendment of the US Constitution, which protects freedom of speech.
The outlets said their journalists were denied access to the White House grounds on Saturday and had their press passes confiscated.
They also said their credentials were revoked without notice or due process because the administration objected to their reporting.
The organisations warned that leaving the restrictions unchallenged could affect press freedom and the public’s access to independent journalism.
Trump has defended the decision, rejecting the accusation that his administration is attacking the free press.
He described the action as a response to what he called “FAKE NEWS” and said the affected outlets could continue reporting but would no longer have offices inside the White House.
Vice President JD Vance also accused the outlets of spreading what he described as “left-wing propaganda.”
Trump has not provided a detailed explanation for the ban but told an AFP reporter that it was the result of what he described as “cumulative stories over the last two years.”
He also accused the affected outlets of trying to diminish Republicans and his administration.
Trump further warned that other media organisations could face similar restrictions, although he did not identify them.
According to CNN, Trump aide Natalie Harp had shown him clips of recent media coverage, including a graphic from Politico, before the ban was announced.
Trump has frequently criticised news organisations over coverage of his political campaigns and administration, while accusing sections of the media of unfair reporting.
The legal challenge and the dispute over White House media access remain ongoing.
