Trump’s ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House led broadcast networks to suspend pooled TV coverage during Xi Jinping’s Thursday visit, frustrating Chinese officials seeking wider exposure. Coverage resumed Friday after CNN’s access was restored.
China’s embassy contacted several US networks about how the ban would affect coverage. More than 100 Chinese state-media staffers covered the summit, and foreign ministry adviser Wu Xinbo called the limited footage “regrettable,” saying wider US coverage could have improved the atmosphere in bilateral relations.
White House communications director Steven Cheung disputed concerns, saying the pool had access but chose not to broadcast and that other outlets and new media drew tens of millions of views. Separately, a source said Trump privately expressed dissatisfaction with the coverage and wanted the TV pool back.
