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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 press policy, announced on Monday, has been met with skepticism and criticism from media outlets, including the Pentagon Press Association, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, and several news organizations. The updated policy expands the prohibitions on journalists from not just accessing unauthorized information, but also soliciting it, which critics argue is an attempt to stifle a free press and expose journalists to prosecution for doing their jobs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Pentagon Press Association has expressed serious concerns about the policy, stating that it is designed to stifle a free press and potentially expose journalists to prosecution for simply doing their jobs.
  • Several credentialed journalists from different news organizations have decided not to sign the Pentagon policy, citing the prohibition on soliciting information as harsher than the original rules.
  • News organizations such as CNN, The Atlantic, and The New York Times have also spoken out against the policy, with The Washington Post's executive editor Matt Murray stating that the Constitution protects the right to report on the activities of democratically elected and appointed government officials.
  • The Pentagon Press Association is "surprised and disturbed" by the decision to remove news organizations from their dedicated workspaces in the Pentagon, which they believe will further isolate reporters and make it harder to interact with officials.
  • The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press has led negotiations with the Defense Department over the policy in recent weeks, but has not been satisfied with the new language.

Statistics:

  • The Pentagon's revised policy affects over 1,000 journalists who cover the Defense Department, with many of them deciding not to sign the policy.
  • The policy's prohibition on soliciting information has been criticized by several news organizations, including CNN, The Atlantic, and The New York Times.
  • The Pentagon's revised policy has sparked widespread critique from media outlets and press freedom advocates, with the Pentagon Press Association noting that it "conveys an unprecedented message of intimidation to everyone within the DoD."

Sources:

  • The Pentagon Press Association: The Pentagon's revised press policy "conveys an unprecedented message of intimidation to everyone within the DoD."
  • The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press: The updated language of the policy poses a significant impediment to journalists and will lead to difficulties in reporting on the Defense Department.
  • Charlie Stadtlander, spokesperson for The New York Times: "The Times appreciates the Pentagon's engagement, but problems remain with the policy and we and other news organizations believe further changes are needed."
  • Matt Murray, executive editor at The Washington Post: "The Constitution protects the right to report on the activities of democratically elected and appointed government officials."
  • Sean Parnell, Pentagon spokesperson: "Congress has made clear that unauthorized release of sensitive information by DOW personnel is a crime. Our policy is also clear: soliciting DOW service members and civilians to commit crimes is strictly prohibited."

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