US media organisations have strongly rejected the Pentagon's new press policy, saying it amounts to a crackdown on the media. According to sources, several US and international organisations have voiced strong objections and also refused to sign the new rules proposed by the Pentagon for media access.
As many as 30 media houses, including one of the most prominent international dailies, have categorically rejected the Pentagon’s new media policy, saying that it violates the constitutionally protected right to free speech.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon warned that it would revoke the press badges for news organisations that did not agree with the new media rules.
Under the new press policy, journalists have to agree that they could be considered a national security risk in cases where they ask for and release classified information in the public domain without prior permission. The new rules come after the Department of Defence had already restricted media access inside the Pentagon, forced some outlets to vacate offices in the building, and reduced the number of press briefings.
Also Read: US strike off Venezuela kills 6 narcoterrorists: Trump
Meanwhile, Pentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement on Monday, “The policy does not ask journalists to agree but rather to acknowledge that they understand what our policy is.”
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth called the requirements "common sense", adding that "we're trying to make sure national security is respected."
However, media organisations, including the Pentagon Press Association (PPA), said the media policy "gags Pentagon employees" by threatening retaliation against reporters who seek out information that has not been pre-approved for release.
Also Read: Russia hands declassified JFK assassination files to US lawmaker
Follow us
