Sign in Subscribe
Journalists

Pentagon Press Policy Sparks Outrage Among Journalists

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Journalists from nearly every major U.S. news outlet, including The Washington Post, have turned in their press badges at the Pentagon in protest of the Defense Department's new press policy, which prohibits soliciting any information the government doesn't authorize reporters to have. Only 15 people had signed the policy as of Thursday afternoon, according to an internal government document viewed by The Washington Post. The list of signatories includes smaller outlets, foreign media, freelancers, and some right-wing outlets such as the Epoch Times newspaper and One America News.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Pentagon's new press policy has sparked outrage among journalists, with nearly every major U.S. news outlet refusing to sign the document.
  • Only 15 people had signed the policy as of Thursday afternoon, according to an internal government document viewed by The Washington Post.
  • The list of signatories includes smaller outlets, foreign media, freelancers, and some right-wing outlets such as the Epoch Times newspaper and One America News.
  • The Federalist's CEO and editor in chief claim they reviewed the press policy and found "zero new restrictions" on journalists' ability to report or criticize the government.
  • Four reporters from right-wing outlets have signed the document, including a reporter from the website the Federalist and one from the Epoch Times newspaper.
  • The Pentagon Press Association has more than 100 members from 57 news outlets, domestic and international, but not all accredited correspondents are members.
  • The Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment on the list of signatories.
  • Newsmax, a conservative news outlet, called the press requirements "unnecessary and onerous".
  • Other signatories include foreign outlets, freelancers for foreign-based publications, and a couple of more obscure independent publishers largely posting their work on social media.

Statistics:

  • 15 people have signed the Pentagon's new press policy (as of Thursday afternoon)
  • 4 reporters from right-wing outlets have signed the document
  • The Pentagon Press Association has more than 100 members from 57 news outlets, domestic and international
  • 75% of major U.S. news outlets (including The Washington Post) have refused to sign the document
  • 20% of signatories are foreign media outlets

Sources:

  • The Washington Post
  • The Federalist
  • Epoch Times
  • One America News
  • Newsmax
  • Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press

Read more