An experienced Pentagon reporter recalls numerous instances during his years reporting on the defense establishment when the real narrative differed substantially from the official version.
Following the fall of Baghdad in 2003, the then head of the Pentagon was openly overjoyed, insisting it demonstrated the triumph of the US invasion. Yet, through informal conversations with military officers, the reporter quickly discovered a more complicated situation: additional American troops were required to secure logistical routes under attack by supporters of the deposed regime.
“Did I as a reporter solicit information?” they stated. “Of course. It’s called journalism. Uncovering the actual events behind the scenes and refusing to accept completely official statements claims.”
This reporter is among numerous Pentagon reporters facing the loss of their credentials after refusing to agree to a controversial policy from the defense chief. The requirement would mandate journalists to sign an pledge stating they will solely report information “officially approved” by the defense department.
Shift from Overseers to State Functionaries
Signing such an agreement would essentially convert journalists “from watchdogs into state functionaries”, according to a former chairman of a prominent press association and former senior editor of a international wire service.
This journalist is not alone. Media outlets including major publications, wire services, and online platforms – even some with conservative audiences – are refusing the ultimatum.
Unsurprisingly, a network widely regarded as a state-friendly broadcaster has consented to sign.
Television Outlets Join the Movement
In a major move, the major broadcasters – including those considered supportive of the government – released a unified message expressing their rejection.
“The directive is unprecedented and endangers core press freedoms,” they announced. “We will persist to cover the armed forces as we has done for many decades, maintaining the values of a independent media.”
This near-unanimous position is justified – and it is encouraging to see such solidarity. This type of journalistic cohesion is formidable – and society could benefit from more of it, particularly when the press are frequently targeted.
Reporting vs. Transcription
No matter how much the defense chief might wish it, reporting is not mere transcription, and the government-sanctioned narrative is often only a beginning for more thorough reporting that uncovers the truth.
The directive has been characterized as a “war on truth” that clearly threatens the intent of constitutional protections and undermines the public’s right to understand what their leaders is undertaking.
The defense chief's response to this near-universal rejection was marked by a juvenile use of emojis on online platforms, dismissing organizations that refused to submit.
Escalation of Media Controls
This newest action constitutes an escalation in controls. Not only does the Pentagon rarely hold press briefings these days, but earlier it also prohibited journalists from most of the facility without an official escort. This departure from past practice impeded the capacity of correspondents to gather detailed information through routine contacts.
Under the revised rules, reporters could be designated a threat simply for inquiring defense personnel for confidential information.
Determination of Journalistic Mission
It is certain that reporters and their organizations will continue to cover the operations of the Pentagon, educating the public about their leaders' decisions.
Access is not everything. In fact, the professional pursuit for proximity to powerful people and institutions – and the desire to protect that access – may hinder accurate journalism.
As a previous journalist noted, reporters can continue doing their jobs through methods besides transmitting officially approved information to the public.
“Coverage of the armed forces can be pursued through leaks, freedom of information petitions, and other cooperative methods utilizing the protections of the law,” the journalist stated. And they can continue to do so, it was noted, “until this benighted administration reaches its conclusion.”
