Pentagon Press Association bemoans 'unprecedented message of intimidation' from Hegseth's new rules
Source: msn/The Independent
11h
The Pentagon Press Association pushed back on Pete Hegseth’s upcoming restrictions for reporters covering the Department of Defense, stating that the defense secretary’s policy “conveys an unprecedented message of intimidation” as it suggests “it’s criminal to speak without express permission.”
The association’s Wednesday statement comes days after it was reported that the Pentagon had relaxed its proposed press access rules following negotiations with national news agencies. “Under the rules, journalists requiring credentials to the Pentagon will not need approval from the department before publishing articles with information not officially released,” the New York Times reported. “News organizations widely interpreted an earlier draft as requiring that approval, drawing their condemnation.”
Late last month, the Pentagon announced it was imposing severe new restrictions on journalists covering the department, requiring them to refrain from gathering any information that hadn’t already been authorized for release by the military. Any reporter who did not sign that pledge risked losing their press credentials.
“The ‘press’ does not run the Pentagon — the people do,” Hegseth fumed at the time. “The press is no longer allowed to roam the halls of a secure facility. Wear a badge and follow the rules — or go home.” The 17-page document, which appeared to be in response to Hegseth’s relentless complaints about leaks to the media, immediately sparked intense backlash from media organizations over its perceived attack on the free press.
Read more: https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/world/pentagon-press-association-bemoans-unprecedented-message-of-intimidation-from-hegseth-s-new-rules/ar-AA1O6lw9
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