DOJ just opened an antitrust probe into ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News over halting Trump coverage. Spokesperson Emily Convington says group boycotts among commercial competitors can violate the Sher

What happened: The US Department of Justice opened an antitrust investigation into ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News over their decision to halt presidential coverage last month, a Justice Department spokesperson said. Key numbers: Credentials were pulled on September 19 and reinstated on September 24 after Judge Timothy Kelly ruled the ban likely unconstitutional. Why it matters: The probe adds legal and possible financial pressure on networks to keep covering the president. The Committee to Protect Journalists criticised it as intimidation over press access. Coverage: 3 outlets in 24h

The US Department of Justice opened an antitrust investigation into ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News over their decision to halt presidential coverage last month, a Justice Department spokesperson said.

The probe adds legal and possible financial pressure on networks to keep covering the president. The Committee to Protect Journalists criticised it as intimidation over press access.