Pentagon's New Press Rules Spark Widespread Media Rejection; Only OANN Complies
Major news organizations, including Fox and CBS, rejected the Pentagon's new press rules by the deadline, citing First Amendment concerns, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed their refusal.
Overview
- The Pentagon introduced new press restrictions requiring formal authorization for information release, even unclassified data, sparking significant backlash from major US news organizations.
- Prominent outlets like The New York Times, AP, Fox, and CBS News rejected the rules by the deadline, arguing they threaten First Amendment rights and public access to government operations.
- Only One America News Network (OANN) agreed to follow the new Pentagon reporting rules, standing alone among major media organizations in accepting the restrictions.
- Journalists expressed concerns over restrictions on access without escorts and requirements to affirm vague policies, fearing implications that unapproved reporting harms national security.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth responded to the widespread media refusal with a hand-waving emoji, publicly bidding farewell to the liberal publications that rejected the agreement.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally. They present a factual account of the dispute between the Pentagon and news organizations over new reporting rules. The coverage details the widespread rejection of the rules by major outlets, including Fox News, while also noting the Pentagon's stated rationale. It attributes all strong opinions and concerns directly to the involved parties, avoiding editorial judgment or loaded language in its own voice.
"The policy conveys an unprecedented message of intimidation to everyone within the DoD, warning against any unapproved interactions with the press and even suggesting it's criminal to speak without express permission -- which plainly, it is not."
BBC News"The Pentagon’s new press policy undermines the First Amendment and AP’s core values as an independent global news organization."
Associated Press"The policy is without precedent and threatens core journalistic protections."
CBS News"The new rules bar journalist access to large swaths of the Pentagon without an escort and say Hegseth can revoke press access to reporters who ask anyone in the Defense Department for information — classified or otherwise — that he has not approved for release."
Chicago TribuneArticles (9)
Center (4)
FAQ
Media outlets are concerned that the new rules could limit their ability to gather and report information, potentially violating the First Amendment and putting them at risk for prosecution for doing their jobs.
Several major news organizations, including The New York Times, NPR, Newsmax, Fox, AP, and CBS News, have refused to sign the agreement.
Journalists who do not agree to the new rules will have to turn in their Pentagon press passes by Wednesday evening, effectively losing access to the Pentagon for reporting.
History
- 20d
4 articles