News|MediaUS news outlets say they will not agree to Pentagon reporting restrictionsReporters must promise not to publish unauthorised material to obtain press credentials.
The Department of Defense has announced new reporting guidelines affecting journalists covering the US military. The guidelines, initially released in a memo in September, require reporters to sign an affidavit agreeing not to publish unauthorized…
The Department of Defense has announced new reporting guidelines affecting journalists covering the US military. The guidelines, initially released in a memo in September, require reporters to sign an affidavit agreeing not to publish unauthorized material, including unclassified documents, to maintain their Pentagon press credentials.
Following feedback from media organizations, the guidelines were revised to require reporters to "acknowledge" the new rules. However, several media companies, including major outlets such as NPR, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, CNN, Reuters, and Associated Press, have expressed opposition to signing these rules.
The organizations argue that the guidelines infringe on the First Amendment rights, which provide extensive protections for freedom of speech and press. These rights were upheld in the 1971 Supreme Court case, New York Times Co v United States , which permitted the publication of classified military documents during the Vietnam War.
The Department of Defense has announced new reporting guidelines affecting journalists covering the US military.
Matt Murray, executive editor of The Washington Post, emphasized the issue, stating that the restrictions compromise First Amendment protections and place undue constraints on the gathering and publishing of information. The Washington Times and Newsmax have also refused to sign the rules, citing them as "unnecessary and onerous."
The Pentagon Press Association, representing defense reporters, has noted that while the Pentagon can establish its reporting rules, it cannot enforce unconstitutional policies as a prerequisite for coverage. The association previously expressed concerns that the rules could potentially lead to legal challenges against journalists.
The guidelines have been supported by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who assumed office in January under President Donald Trump. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that negotiations with the Pentagon Press Association were conducted in good faith, but emphasized that soliciting military personnel to commit crimes remains strictly prohibited.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.