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An experienced Pentagon reporter recalls numerous occasions during their years reporting on the Department of Defense when the actual narrative diverged substantially from the official version.

After the fall of Baghdad in 2003, the then head of the Pentagon was openly overjoyed, insisting it demonstrated the triumph of the military campaign. Yet, via unofficial conversations with personnel, the reporter quickly discovered a more complicated situation: additional American troops were needed to protect supply lines under attack by supporters of the former regime.

“Did I as a reporter solicit information?” the reporter wrote. “Naturally. That is the essence of journalism. Uncovering what’s really going on away from public view and refusing to accept completely official statements says.

This journalist is among numerous Pentagon reporters facing the loss of their official access after declining to agree to a new directive from the defense chief. The rule would mandate reporters to sign an pledge stating they will solely report information “explicitly authorized” by the military establishment.

Shift from Overseers to State Functionaries

Agreeing to such an document would effectively transform journalists “from watchdogs into state functionaries”, according to a previous head of a major journalism organization and former senior editor of a international wire service.

This journalist is in good company. Media outlets such as leading newspapers, wire services, and digital outlets – even some with conservative viewership – are refusing the ultimatum.

Unsurprisingly, a outlet widely regarded as a state-friendly broadcaster has consented to sign.

Broadcast Networks Support the Protest

In a significant development, the leading broadcasters – even those considered supportive of the current administration – released a unified message stating their rejection.

“The directive is unprecedented and endangers fundamental press freedoms,” they announced. “We will continue to cover the armed forces as each of our organizations has done for many decades, maintaining the principles of a independent media.”

This vast majority stance is justified – and it is encouraging to see such solidarity. This type of press unity is powerful – and society could benefit from much more of it, particularly when the press are often targeted.

Journalism vs. Stenography

No matter how much the defense chief might desire it, reporting is not stenography, and the officially approved story is often only a beginning for deeper investigation that uncovers the truth.

The policy has been characterized as a “assault on facts” that obviously threatens the purpose of constitutional protections and erodes the citizens' ability to understand what their government is doing.

The defense chief's reaction to this near-universal rejection was marked by a juvenile use of emojis on online platforms, dismissing organizations that refused to submit.

Intensification of Media Controls

This newest effort represents an increase in restrictive measures. Not only does the Department of Defense rarely hold press briefings these days, but earlier it also prohibited reporters from most of the facility without an minder. This departure from historical precedent hindered the capacity of reporters to collect nuanced information through routine interactions.

Under the new policy, reporters could be labeled a security risk simply for inquiring defense personnel for confidential information.

Determination of Journalistic Mission

It is clear that reporters and their organizations will continue to cover the operations of the military, informing the public about their leaders' actions.

Credentials is not paramount. In fact, the journalistic quest for proximity to influential figures and institutions – and the impulse to protect that access – may hinder accurate reporting.

As a former reporter observed, reporters can continue doing their jobs through methods other than transmitting officially approved information to the audience.

“Coverage of the military can be pursued through leaks, public records requests, and additional cooperative methods harnessing the protections of the law,” the journalist stated. And they can continue to do so, they added, “until this benighted regime sees out its days.”