We, the undersigned, call for the immediate end of live broadcast segments featuring the 45th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, at press conferences called to purportedly inform the public about Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The media has an obligation to the public to expose misinformation. The President has regularly made deliberate, false statements regarding the disease, often resulting in a threat to the welfare and safety of American citizens. He has also repeatedly used these live media events for personal promotion.

Allowing this misbehavior to be broadcast live endorses danger to the public, a criminal use of free airtime and an abuse of executive power.

We strongly urge all television networks, including cable and online organizations, to broadcast only announcements, speeches and interviews from qualified medical professionals and informed political leaders.

The media should not allow this President, often a source of arbitrary untruths, to appear live in any broadcast intended to inform the American people about COVID-19.

We consider this an urgent matter of public safety and national security.