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An experienced Pentagon reporter recalls numerous instances throughout their career reporting on the Department of Defense when the actual story diverged substantially from the approved version.

Following the capture of Baghdad in 2003, the then head of the Pentagon was publicly overjoyed, claiming it demonstrated the triumph of the military campaign. Yet, via unofficial conversations with personnel, the reporter quickly learned a more complicated situation: more forces were needed to protect logistical routes being targeted by supporters of the deposed government.

“Did I as a reporter solicit information?” the reporter wrote. “Of course. It’s called journalism. Uncovering what’s really going on behind the scenes and refusing to accept completely what any government says.

This journalist is among numerous defense correspondents confronting the loss of their official access after refusing to accept a new policy from the Pentagon leadership. The requirement would force journalists to sign an agreement asserting they will publish only information “explicitly authorized” by the defense department.

Shift from Watchdogs to Government Agents

Agreeing to such an document would effectively transform journalists “from independent observers into government mouthpieces”, according to a former chairman of a prominent press association and ex- editor of a international wire service.

This journalist is in good company. Media outlets including major newspapers, wire services, and digital outlets – including some with right-leaning viewership – are rejecting the demand.

Unsurprisingly, a network widely regarded as a propaganda outfit has agreed to comply.

Broadcast Networks Join the Protest

In a major development, the major TV networks – including those considered friendly to the government – issued a unified message expressing their opposition.

“The directive is without precedent and endangers core journalistic protections,” they announced. “We will persist to report on the armed forces as each of our organizations has done for many decades, upholding the principles of a free and independent press.”

This near-unanimous position is justified – and it is heartening to see such unity. This kind of press unity is powerful – and the public could use much more of it, especially when the press are frequently targeted.

Journalism vs. Stenography

No matter how much the Pentagon leadership might wish it, journalism is not mere transcription, and the officially approved story is often only a starting point for deeper investigation that reveals the truth.

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

The defense chief's response to this widespread defiance was characterized by a juvenile use of emojis on online platforms, dismissing organizations that declined to comply.

Escalation of Press Restrictions

This newest effort represents an increase in controls. Not only does the Department of Defense seldom hold media availabilities now, but previously it also banned journalists from most of the building without an official escort. This deviation from historical precedent impeded the ability of reporters to gather detailed information through everyday interactions.

Under the revised rules, journalists could be designated a threat simply for inquiring defense personnel for sensitive information.

Persistence of The Press

It is clear that reporters and their organizations will persist to report on the activities of the Pentagon, educating the citizens about their government's decisions.

Credentials is not everything. In fact, the journalistic quest for access to powerful people and organizations – and the desire to protect that access – may impede truthful reporting.

As a former journalist noted, reporters can continue doing their jobs through methods besides relaying officially approved information to the public.

“Coverage of the military can be conducted through leaks, freedom of information petitions, and other cooperative methods utilizing the protections of the law,” the journalist stated. And they can persist in this work, they added, “till this benighted regime sees out its days.”