National Press Club Statement on Pentagon Restrictions That Threaten Independent Reporting

From News Desk

National Press Club President Mike Balsamo has released the following statement on the Pentagon’s new pledge requirement for reporters –

“The Pentagon is now demanding that journalists sign a pledge not to obtain or report any information — even if unclassified — unless it has been expressly authorised by the government. This is a direct assault on independent journalism at the very place where independent scrutiny matters most – the US military.

For generations, Pentagon reporters have provided the public with vital information about how wars are fought, how defence dollars are spent; and how decisions are made that put American lives at risk. That work has only been possible because reporters could seek out facts without needing government permission.

If the news about our military must first be approved by the government, then the public is no longer getting independent reporting. It is getting only what officials want them to see. That should alarm every American.

Independent reporting on the military is essential to democracy. It is what allows citizens to hold leaders accountable and ensures that decisions of war and peace are made in the light of day. This pledge undermines that principle; and the National Press Club calls on the Pentagon to rescind it immediately.

This crackdown also comes at a time when the nation is witnessing a devastating hollowing out of defence trade publications, just as rigorous, independent coverage of military and national security issues has never been more essential.”

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world’s major professional organisation for journalists. Based in Washington, DC, the Club has nearly 3,000 members representing nearly every major news organisation.

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