Major Networks Boycott Xi Arrival Filming as Trump Press Ban Hits 5 TV Pool Outlets
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 23
Major Networks Boycott Xi Arrival Filming as Trump Press Ban Hits 5 TV Pool Outlets
2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 23
Summary
ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News and NBC did not send the White House TV pool to film Xi Jinping’s Wednesday arrival at Joint Base Andrews, leaving a major U.S.-China moment without the usual network footage.
The boycott stems from Trump’s press restrictions: CNN, MS NOW and Politico journalists were barred, and the pool operators suspended filming Monday in solidarity.
A federal judge in Washington heard the three outlets’ lawsuit Wednesday and said he would rule as soon as possible, but no decision came before Xi’s arrival.
The Associated Press planned to supply subscriber video of Trump greeting Xi, while smaller outlets could still film; LindellTV was listed as a possible secondary crew.
Thursday’s full day of Trump-Xi meetings could face the same coverage disruption if the ban remains, limiting the close visual scrutiny that usually accompanies high-stakes summits.
How might the unprecedented media blackout during Xi Jinping's arrival alter the global perception of this high-stakes diplomatic summit?
Will the shift to alternative digital broadcasters for a major state visit permanently redefine how global diplomatic events are documented?
Could the lack of traditional broadcast coverage actually facilitate more candid negotiations between global leaders on critical technological and economic issues?