Top news outlets refuse to sign Pentagon's new press policy

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Major reputed news outlets refused to sign a new policy proposed by the U.S. Department of Defense over concerns that the revised press access rules for journalists would restrict communication with military sources and lead to less detailed reporting of the Pentagon.

At least 30 news outlets, including Reuters (NASDAQ:TRI [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/TRI]), The Wall Street Journal (NASDAQ:NWS [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/NWS]) (NASDAQ:NWSA [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/NWSA]), Associated Press, Bloomberg News, The New York Times (NYSE:NYT [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/NYT]), The Washington Post, CNN (NASDAQ:WBD [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/WBD]), Fox News (NASDAQ:FOX [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/FOX]) (NASDAQ:FOXA [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/FOXA]), CBS (NASDAQ:PSKY [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/PSKY]), NBC (SMCSA), ABC (NYSE:DIS [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/DIS]), NPR, Axios, Politico, The Guardian, The Atlantic, and Newsmax (NYSE:NMAX [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/NMAX]), have released statements declining to adhere to the new rules.

The new policy mandates that military personnel must obtain prior permission before sharing any material with news organizations, including matters that are not classified. It had also said that journalists could lose their credentials if they publish unclassified information that was not approved for release.

However, a revised policy clarified that journalists just need to "understand" the DoD's new stance with the press but added that those who do not sign will not have access to the Pentagon building.

"The policy does not ask for them to agree, just to acknowledge that they understand what our policy is," Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said earlier this week. "We stand by our policy because it's what's best for our troops and the national security of this country."

The revised policy notes that receiving or publishing sensitive information "is generally protected by the First Amendment," but soliciting the disclosure of such information "may weigh in the consideration of whether you pose a security or safety risk."

The policy also says, "The press's rights are not absolute and do not override the government's compelling interest in maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information."

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