Five networks paused together. Now the government wants to know why. So do two neighbors.
By Neil Kessler and Margo HaleOctober 13, 2026Midweek Edition, Issue No. 2
“Same rules for big cameras as for small bagels.”
Five networks paused together. Now the government wants to know why. So do two neighbors.
JUST THE FACTS (REPORTED, NOT SPUN). The White House barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico. The TV pool networks (the shared White House camera crews: ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox and NBC) then paused pool coverage together. The Justice Department’s antitrust unit is looking at whether that joint pause broke the Sherman Act, an antitrust law. Formal demands for information went out Fri. Oct. 9. A judge’s order restoring access was extended to Tue. Oct. 13. Pool coverage has resumed. Sources: CNBC; NBC News. The New York Times reported it first. Everything after this box is opinion.
THE LEDGER (MADE UP). In 2023, Neil and Margo both stopped shoveling the shared walk on the same day. Each says the other started it. Nobody opened a probe. Gordon was not available for comment. A copy of the 1923 map went to Ohio (see The Wire). All made up. Everything after this box is opinion too.
NEIL SAYS. Okay, let me finish. Five big networks all stopped at once. If five bagel shops closed the same day to make a point, somebody would mail me a letter. Ask me how I know.
Here’s the real issue. Same rules for everybody. Big companies don’t get to team up because they own cameras. If they did nothing wrong, they hand over the paperwork and go home.
And yes, my side started this by kicking three outlets out of the room. I don’t love it. That’s footnote one.
THE SHARE LINE. “Same rules for big cameras as for small bagels.”
THE ONE THING THEY AGREE ON. Nobody should pause the shared walk. Also, Gordon should come to a meeting.
MARGO SAYS. I read the date twice. Friday, Oct. 9. I like a date. You can check a date.
Here’s the order of events. The White House barred three outlets. Then five networks paused together. Now the Justice Department wants their records. I’d like everyone’s records. Who decided to bar the three? Who called the pause? A government that picks which reporters get in should show its paperwork too.
And yes, my side has cheered when the government went after companies it didn’t like. That’s why I want all the receipts, not just theirs.
THE SHARE LINE. “Everybody wants the other guy’s receipts. I want all of them.”