Summary
Major U.S. media organizations are protesting new Pentagon rules that they believe limit journalistic freedom. These rules require reporters to acknowledge not publishing unauthorized information to maintain access to Pentagon press events. The media argue this policy conflicts with the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Key Facts
- The Pentagon issued new guidelines for reporters covering the U.S. military in a September memo.
- The guidelines originally required reporters to sign a pledge not to publish unauthorized materials to access events.
- Many media outlets, including NPR, CNN, and The New York Times, oppose these rules and refuse to sign them.
- Media organizations claim the guidelines infringe on First Amendment rights, which protect freedom of speech and press.
- A 1971 Supreme Court case, New York Times Co v United States, backed the media's right to publish classified documents.
- Pentagon Press Association argues the rules could lead to legal action against reporters.
- U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth supports the rules, citing negotiations with media representatives.
- Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell emphasized that encouraging crimes is prohibited in their negotiating efforts.
