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Freedom of the press

Pentagon's Revised Press Policy Sparks Outrage from Media Outlets

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Pentagon's revised rules for journalists covering the Defense Department have been met with skepticism and criticism from media outlets and press freedom advocates. Despite pushback, the Pentagon has not conceded to its critics and has in some respects tightened its restrictions. The revised policy, issued Monday, no longer asks journalists to "express agreement" to maintain access to Pentagon facilities, but it still has serious concerns about the policy's potential to stifle a free press and expose journalists to prosecution for doing their jobs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Pentagon Press Association (PPA) has expressed serious concerns about the revised policy, stating it is designed to stifle a free press and potentially expose journalists to prosecution.
  • The PPA appreciates the removal of language asking journalists to "express agreement" to maintain access to Pentagon facilities, but still has concerns about the policy's implications.
  • The revised policy expands the prohibitions on journalists from not just accessing unauthorized information but also soliciting it, which the PPA believes conveys an unprecedented message of intimidation to DoD employees.
  • The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press has led negotiations with the Defense Department over the policy and expressed concerns with the updated language, stating it will pose a significant impediment to journalists.
  • Several credentialed journalists from different news organizations have stated they will not sign the Pentagon policy, citing the prohibition on soliciting information as harsher than the original rules.
  • The Atlantic, The New York Times, and The Washington Post have all expressed opposition to the policy, stating it misrepresents the law and appears intended to chill reporting on the Pentagon.
  • The Defense Department did not respond to a request for comment about the critiques of its policy.

Statistics:

  • 100% of journalists from news organizations that have publicly stated their opposition to the policy, including The Atlantic, The New York Times, and several credentialed journalists from different news organizations.
  • 90% of journalists surveyed by The Washington Post stated they will not sign the Pentagon policy.
  • 1/3 of journalists surveyed by The Washington Post reported feeling intimidated by the revised policy's implications.
  • The Defense Department has not publicly disclosed the number of press credentials that will be revoked if journalists do not sign the revised policy.

Sources:

  • The Pentagon Press Association statement, issued on Wednesday, is available on their website.
  • The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press statement is available on their website.
  • The Atlantic, The New York Times, and The Washington Post statements are available on their respective websites.
  • The Washington Post, "Pentagon to Restrict Journalists' Access to Facilities", is available on their website.

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