Trump’s conflicts with mainstream American media have brought about a new issue!
On September 21 local time in the United States, the White House launched a online video channel called “TRUMP TV: The Essentials Station”.
According to information released by the White House on September 21, “Trump TV” is operated by the White House. It is broadcast 24/7 over the internet and its content mainly includes Trump's speeches, government announcements, and videos of the president attending important events. The White House also released videos such as “Trump TV is Here” to promote this new channel.
"Trump TV" Video Screenshot
The background of the channel's launch is a rapidly escalating dispute over interview rights between Trump and some American media outlets.
According to a report by Reuters on September 18th, Trump announced a ban on CNN, MS NEWS, and Politico from entering the White House, accusing the three media outlets of spreading 'fake news'. The White House subsequently implemented this decision, and journalists from the three media outlets were denied entry to the White House.
The controversy quickly spread to the televised interview session that has been used by the White House for many years.
This mechanism involves media outlets rotating reporters and cameramen to accompany the president, and then sharing video footage with other news organizations. CBS News reported on September 21 that five television networks—ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News, and NBC—issued a joint statement on that day, deciding to suspend live coverage of the president’s events.
Five television networks stated that the public has an important interest in obtaining "accurate and independent information" about the government. The government should not restrict an organization's reporting just because it is dissatisfied with a particular news outlet.
Meanwhile, CNN, MS NOW and Politico have filed the dispute in court.
Reuters reported on September 21 that three media companies filed a lawsuit against Trump and his government officials that day. They argued that the White House ban violated the freedom of speech and press protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. They also requested a temporary restraining order to restore the White House's rights to conduct interviews. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Kelly, and a hearing is expected to take place on Wednesday, local time in the United States.
This is not the first time that Trump has faced legal disputes with American media over interview rights.
According to a report by CBS News on September 21, Kelly handled the case of CNN journalist Jim Acosta, whose press card was revoked during Trump’s first term in office. He ordered that Acosta’s press card be reinstated. During Trump’s second term, the White House also restricted the Associated Press from participating in certain presidential events due to the newspaper’s refusal to comply with the geographical names requested by the Trump administration. This led to another lawsuit involving the First Amendment.
