The record contains a distinction that must survive a headline: an agency can open an investigation before determining whether anyone broke a law. That distinction is especially important when the targets are news organizations and the topic is government access.

The Associated Press reported that Justice Department spokesperson Emily Covington confirmed an antitrust inquiry concerning the White House television press pool after broadcasters stopped coordinated coverage during an access dispute. The department characterized the inquiry as a determination of whether antitrust law was violated.

This is a Fact assessment about the existence of the investigation. It is not a conviction, an adverse judicial ruling or independent evidence of a cartel. Questions about press freedom, access conditions and antitrust standards remain open.