Two of the three major US television networks and CNN did not broadcast a prime-time address on Thursday by President Donald Trump on their primary platforms, drawing a rebuke from a president who has placed unprecedented pressure on American media.The speech focused on election security, four months before the critical midterm elections.
During his speech, Trump said that networks that did not air his speech were engaged in a "plot" and should have their licenses revoked.
"In a rare move NBC and ABC fake news have both said they would not cover this speech," he said, adding, "Fraud like this should mean a revocation of their licenses."
Networks have broad First Amendment rights to decide what they choose to broadcast, experts say. But historically, broadcasters have carried most such speeches on the grounds that they provide information of public importance.
Late on Thursday afternoon, a spokesperson for ABC News said the network would run Trump’s speech on its ABC News Live streaming platform and ABC News Radio – not its broadcast channel.
