(WASHINGTON) – The Department of Defense’s new directive inserting itself into editorial decisions by Stars and Stripes will break down and undermine the longstanding firewall between Pentagon leadership and the independent news organization, PEN America said today
“We are alarmed that a Pentagon memo claims to preserve the independence of Stars and Stripes while simultaneously imposing new restrictions that undermine it. Service members and military families rely on Stars and Stripes for independent reporting, not for material shaped or dictated by the very officials the paper is supposed to hold accountable,” said Tim Richardson, journalism and disinformation program director at PEN America. “After restricting reporter access, expelling the press corps, and shutting out photojournalists from Iran war briefings, Pentagon leadership continues to seek ways to control the flow of information and avoid scrutiny of the largest federal agency. Particularly during this time of war, Congress must reaffirm First Amendment protections for Stars and Stripes’ editorial independence and ensure the decades-long firewall between the Pentagon and the newsroom remains firmly intact.”
Stars and Stripes mainly serves the military and government officials stationed overseas and has always maintained editorial independence. This move comes months after the Pentagon booted longtime members of the press corps from the building and days after it banned photojournalists from Iran war briefings over photos it deemed ‘unflattering’.
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Suzanne Trimel, [email protected], (201) 247-5057