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An experienced Pentagon reporter remembers many instances throughout their career reporting on the Department of Defense when the real story differed substantially from the approved version.

After the capture of Baghdad in 2003, the then defense secretary was publicly overjoyed, claiming it signaled the success of the military campaign. Yet, via informal discussions with personnel, the reporter soon learned a more complicated situation: more American troops were needed to secure logistical routes being targeted by loyalists of the former regime.

“Did I as a reporter solicit information?” the reporter wrote. “Naturally. That is the essence of journalism. Finding out the actual events away from public view and refusing to accept wholesale what any government claims.”

This journalist is among numerous defense correspondents confronting the loss of their official access after refusing to agree to a controversial directive from the Pentagon leadership. The rule would force reporters to sign an pledge asserting they will solely report information “explicitly authorized” by the defense department.

Transformation from Overseers to State Functionaries

Agreeing to such an agreement would essentially transform journalists “from watchdogs into state functionaries”, according to a former chairman of a major press association and ex- editor of a international wire service.

This individual is in good company. Media outlets such as major newspapers, wire services, and digital outlets – even some with right-leaning audiences – are rejecting the ultimatum.

Unsurprisingly, a network known as a propaganda outfit has consented to sign.

Television Outlets Support the Movement

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

“The policy is without precedent and threatens core press freedoms,” they announced. “We will persist to report on the armed forces as each of our organizations has done for many decades, maintaining the values of a free and independent press.”

This near-unanimous stance is justified – and it is encouraging to witness such unity. This type of journalistic cohesion is formidable – and the public could benefit from more of it, especially when journalists are frequently under siege.

Reporting vs. Transcription

No matter how much the Pentagon leadership might desire it, reporting is not mere transcription, and the government-sanctioned narrative is frequently only a starting point for deeper investigation that reveals the facts.

The policy has been characterized as a “war on truth” that obviously threatens the purpose of free press guarantees and undermines the citizens' ability to know what their government is doing.

The official's response to this near-universal rejection was marked by a childish use of digital icons on social media, waving goodbye outlets that refused to submit.

Intensification of Press Restrictions

This newest action constitutes an increase in restrictive measures. Not only does the Pentagon seldom hold media availabilities these days, but previously it also prohibited journalists from most of the building without an minder. This departure from past practice impeded the capacity of correspondents to gather nuanced information through routine contacts.

Under the new policy, reporters could be designated a security risk simply for asking Pentagon employees for sensitive information.

Determination of The Press

It is certain that journalists and their news outlets will persist to report on the operations of the Pentagon, educating the public about their government's decisions.

Credentials is not everything. In fact, the journalistic quest for access to influential figures and organizations – and the desire to protect that access – may impede accurate journalism.

As a previous reporter noted, the press can keep performing their duties through means besides transmitting government-sanctioned information to the audience.

“Coverage of the military can be pursued through unauthorized disclosures, public records requests, and additional collaborative methods utilizing the protections of the law,” the journalist stated. And they can continue to do so, they added, “till this benighted administration reaches its conclusion.”