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CBS News, AP

Other News Outlets — Including Fox News — Back CNN’s Lawsuit Against the White House

Nov 14, 2018  •  Post A Comment

Fox News filed a “friend of the court” brief in federal court in support of CNN’s lawsuit against the White House over its revocation of press credentials for CNN correspondent Jim Acosta, CBS News reports.

The battle is over Acosta’s “hard pass,” which gives members of the media expanded access to the White House complex, the report notes.

“Acosta’s pass was suspended last week, hours after he sparred with the president in a press conference,” the story reports. “CBS News also announced it will be filing an amicus brief in support of CNN, saying in a statement it supports the White House Correspondents Association and CNN’s legal fight to restore Acosta’s access.”

CBS News said in a statement: “We do not believe that revoking White House press credentials is an appropriate remedy for a disagreement the White House may have with a particular reporter. We intend to file a friend of the court brief in support of CNN’s lawsuit to defend its constitutional rights.”

The report quotes a statement today from Fox News President Jay Wallace saying: “Secret Service passes for working White House journalists should never be weaponized. While we don’t condone the growing antagonistic tone by both the President and the press at recent media avails, we do support a free press, access and open exchanges for the American people.”

The CBS News report adds: “CNN says it has asked the court for an immediate restraining order requiring the pass be returned to Acosta and will seek permanent relief as part of this process. The White House Correspondents Association has said it ‘strongly supports’ the suit.”

The AP reports that U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Kelly heard arguments this afternoon from lawyers representing CNN and the Justice Department. Kelly has reportedly said he would announce his decision Thursday afternoon.

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