(WASHINGTON) – After the Pentagon’s revisions to its press access policy, PEN America remains deeply concerned today about threatening protocols in place that have the goal of intimidating reporters and even would allow the government to revoke credentials by labelling a reporter as a “security risk.”
“After public outcry, the Department of Defense recognized that forcing independent news outlets to seek pre-approval before publishing any coverage of the Pentagon was an intolerable act of censorship. But rather than overtly censoring reporters, the DoD’s revised policy now includes vague and troubling provisions that allow government officials to label reporters as ‘security risks’ and revoke their credentials simply for seeking information—including unclassified material—not pre-approved for release. It sends a clear message of intimidation to journalists and government employees alike, while discouraging lawful interactions with the press and undermining the fundamental role of a journalist,” said Tim Richardson, journalism and disinformation program director at PEN America. “Coupled with the Pentagon’s removal of independent outlets from workspaces and restrictions on reporters’ movement within the building, these measures suggest that access to information depends on compliance with government narratives. National security is strengthened, not threatened, when journalists can investigate and report without fear. The Pentagon should revisit this policy to ensure its actions reflect the values and freedoms it’s supposed to defend.”
The Defense Department said in a memo last month it would require reporters to sign a document committing they wouldn’t publish information – even if it’s unclassified – that wasn’t authorized for publication by the Pentagon. Under updated rules this week following public outcry, the Pentagon says it can’t stop journalists from reporting news, but escalated rhetoric around the act of reporting. The Pentagon added dangerous rules under which journalists could be deemed “security risks” and have their credentials taken, in retaliation for simply asking Defense Department employees for information without official approval.
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