The Justice Department is investigating whether five major television networks violated federal antitrust laws. The networks under probe are ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, and Fox News.
The investigation centers on the networks' decision to temporarily suspend pooled coverage of President Donald Trump. This boycott was a response to the White House's decision to ban three news organizations from access.
The affected networks were notified of the department's probe on Friday. The move marks a sharp escalation in the Trump administration’s use of its powers against perceived enemies in the press.