White House launches 'Trump TV' after US networks halt coverage over ban

The top five US television networks - ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox, and NBC - staged a revolt on Monday by boycotting coverage of President Donald Trump in protest at his decision to ban three news outlets from the White House. The banned outlets were CNN, MS NOW, and Politico. In a joint statement, the networks said that no administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to its reporting.

The boycott meant that Trump's events, including the opening of a new White House helipad and his trip to the United Nations General Assembly, proceeded without live television coverage. CNN had been scheduled to serve as the White House TV pool on Monday, but was prevented from doing so. The other networks declined to provide a replacement crew, effectively halting pooled television coverage of Trump's events.

In response, the White House launched a 24-hour streaming channel called Trump TV, featuring footage of President Trump and activities of his administration. The channel offers real-time updates and brings together the administration's "biggest moments" in a single platform. It was launched on the White House website and YouTube, and provides viewers with access to presidential speeches, administration announcements, and previously recorded highlights.

Brief written by urgent.news from France 24, Dawn, IOL, Daily Trust, BBC World — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.