Major news Organizations Reject Pentagon‘s New Press Policy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A growing number of major news organizations are refusing to sign a revised press policy issued by the pentagon, citing concerns over First Amendment rights and the potential for government control over reporting. The policy, announced recently, requires journalists to submit to new restrictions, including visible badge-wearing and a prohibition against soliciting criminal acts, sparking a backlash from press advocates.
The dispute centers on the Pentagon’s attempt to redefine access for journalists covering the U.S. military, an institution funded by approximately $1 trillion in taxpayer dollars annually. The New york Times’ Washington bureau chief, Richard Stevenson, stated the policy “threatens to punish journalists ‘for ordinary news gathering protected by the First Amendment.'” He further emphasized concerns that the policy “constrains how journalists can report on the U.S. military.”
As of Tuesday,ABC News,CBS news,NBC News,and Fox News had not publicly announced whether their reporters would comply with the new regulations.Sources indicate a potential joint statement from these networks is forthcoming.
However, One America News Network (OAN) has confirmed it will adhere to the policy. “After thorough review of the revised press policy by our attorney, OAN staff has signed the document,” said Charles Herring, a spokesperson for the network.
The issue escalated Monday as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth responded to news of outlets refusing to sign with a ”bye-bye” emoji on social media. He elaborated in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Pentagon access is a priviledge, not a right. Press no longer roams free. Press must wear visible badge. Credentialed press no longer permitted to solicit criminal acts. DONE. Pentagon now has same rules as every U.S. military installation.”
Pentagon press corps veterans dispute Hegseth’s claims, noting that journalists already display badges and do not have access to classified areas. NPR’s Tom Bowman, a Pentagon passholder for 28 years, wrote that signing the policy would transform reporters into “stenographers parroting press releases, not watchdogs holding government officials accountable.”
Weijia Jiang,president of the white House Correspondents’ Association,and Shaun tandon,president of the State Department Correspondents’ Association,released a joint statement asserting,”Access inside the Pentagon has never been about convenience to reporters. The public has a right to know how the government is conducting the people’s business. Unfettered reporting on the U.S. military and its civilian leadership provides a service to those in uniform, veterans, their families and all Americans.”
The standoff raises essential questions about press freedom and government openness in covering national security matters.
