The Pentagon Press Association (PPA) is pushing hard for the immediate return of journalists’ access to the Defense Department. This comes after a federal judge recently declared the Pentagon’s media policy unconstitutional, which is a pretty huge deal for press freedom.
For a while now, the Pentagon had a new policy that ruffled many feathers. It stated that while publishing sensitive information was generally protected by the First Amendment, soliciting any such information could flag a reporter as a “security or safety risk.” This policy was extremely restrictive. Dozens of journalists, including many from major outlets, actually surrendered their press passes instead of complying, according to The Hill.
For the first time since the Eisenhower administration, no major US television network or publication had a permanent presence inside the building. This left a new press corps consisting almost entirely of right-leaning and pro-Trump outlets and media personalities.
Transparency is necessary, more so in the time of conflict
The New York Times wasn’t having any of it and filed a lawsuit back in December. US District Judge Paul Friedman late last week sided with them, ruling that the Pentagon’s policy violated both the First and Fifth Amendments. Judge Friedman’s 40-page ruling was pretty clear.
He acknowledged the need to protect national security, troops, and war plans. However, he also emphasized that, especially with the country’s recent incursion into Venezuela and its ongoing war with Iran, it is more important than ever for the public to get information from a variety of perspectives about what its government is doing.
Of course, the Pentagon isn’t just shrugging this off. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell quickly stated that the department disagrees with the decision and plans to appeal. The PPA, which represents journalists covering the Defense Department, believes this ruling means the Pentagon must legally return press passes to all reporters who chose to give them up rather than sign that restrictive new policy.
David Schulz, counsel for the association, even wrote in a letter that their clients and the public face “ongoing, irreparable harm” as long as experienced military reporters are excluded, especially with active combat operations happening in multiple arenas. That’s a strong statement.
As part of his ruling, Judge Friedman specifically ordered the immediate reinstatement of press passes for seven New York Times journalists who had previously held credentials. The New York Times wasted no time, stating on Saturday that they are “seeking to have our passes restored in keeping with the judge’s order” and had sent a letter to Pentagon counsel asking for restoration by Monday.
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