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An experienced Pentagon journalist remembers many occasions during their career reporting on the defense establishment when the real narrative diverged significantly from the official version.

Following the fall of Baghdad in 2003, the then defense secretary was openly ecstatic, claiming it signaled the success of the military campaign. However, via unofficial discussions with personnel, the journalist quickly learned a more complex situation: more forces were needed to protect logistical routes under attack by supporters of the deposed regime.

“Did I as a reporter solicit information?” the reporter wrote. “Of course. It’s called journalism. Finding out what’s really going on behind the scenes and refusing to accept completely official statements claims.”

This reporter is among many Pentagon reporters facing the revocation of their official access after declining to agree to a new policy from the defense chief. The requirement would force journalists to endorse an pledge asserting they will solely report information “officially approved” by the defense department.

Transformation from Overseers to State Functionaries

Agreeing to such an document would essentially convert journalists “from independent observers into government mouthpieces”, as noted by a previous head of a major press association and former editor of a global news agency.

This journalist is in good company. News organizations including major newspapers, news agencies, and online platforms – even some with conservative viewership – are rejecting the ultimatum.

Unsurprisingly, a outlet widely regarded as a propaganda outfit has consented to comply.

Broadcast Networks Join the Protest

In a significant move, the major broadcasters – even those seen as supportive of the current administration – issued a joint statement stating their rejection.

“The directive is without precedent and threatens core press freedoms,” the statement declared. “We will continue to report on the US military as each of our organizations has done for generations, upholding the values of a free and independent press.”

This vast majority stance is correct – and it is heartening to witness such solidarity. This kind of press unity is powerful – and society could benefit from more of it, particularly when journalists are frequently targeted.

Journalism vs. Stenography

No matter how much the defense chief might wish it, journalism is not mere transcription, and the government-sanctioned story is frequently only a beginning for deeper investigation that uncovers the facts.

The policy has been described as a “war on truth” that clearly imperils the purpose of free press guarantees and erodes the public’s right to understand what their leaders is undertaking.

The defense chief's reaction to this widespread defiance was marked by a childish display of digital icons on online platforms, dismissing outlets that declined to submit.

Escalation of Media Controls

This newest effort represents an increase in restrictive measures. Not only does the Pentagon rarely hold press briefings these days, but earlier it also prohibited reporters from the majority of the facility without an official escort. This deviation from past practice hindered the ability of correspondents to collect detailed information through routine interactions.

Under the revised rules, journalists could be designated a security risk simply for inquiring defense personnel for confidential information.

Persistence of The Press

It is clear that journalists and their organizations will continue to report on the operations of the military, educating the citizens about their leaders' decisions.

Access is not everything. In fact, the professional pursuit for proximity to influential figures and organizations – and the desire to maintain that privilege – may hinder truthful reporting.

As a former journalist noted, reporters can continue doing their jobs through methods other than relaying officially approved information to the public.

“Reporting of the armed forces can be conducted through unauthorized disclosures, freedom of information petitions, and additional cooperative means utilizing the protections of the law,” they noted. And they can persist in this work, they added, “till this benighted administration sees out its days.”