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A veteran military reporter recalls many instances throughout his years covering the defense establishment when the actual story diverged substantially from the official version.

Following the capture of Baghdad in 2003, the at that time defense secretary was openly ecstatic, claiming it signaled the triumph of the military campaign. However, via unofficial conversations with personnel, the journalist quickly learned a more complex situation: more American troops were required to secure supply lines under attack by loyalists of the deposed regime.

“Did I as a reporter solicit information?” the reporter wrote. “Of course. That is the essence of journalism. Uncovering the actual events away from public view and not accepting wholesale what any government says.

This journalist is among many Pentagon reporters facing the loss of their credentials after refusing to agree to a new policy from the defense chief. The rule would force reporters to endorse an pledge asserting they will solely report information “explicitly authorized” by the military establishment.

Shift from Watchdogs to State Functionaries

Signing such an agreement would effectively convert reporters “from independent observers into government mouthpieces”, as noted by a previous chairman of a major journalism organization and ex- editor of a international wire service.

This individual is in good company. News organizations such as major newspapers, wire services, and online platforms – including some with right-leaning viewership – are rejecting the ultimatum.

Predictably, a outlet known as a propaganda outfit has agreed to sign.

Television Outlets Support the Protest

In a major development, the leading broadcasters – including those considered supportive of the government – released a joint statement stating their rejection.

“The policy is unprecedented and endangers fundamental journalistic protections,” the statement declared. “We will persist to cover the US military as we has done for generations, upholding the principles of a independent media.”

This vast majority stance is correct – and it is heartening to see such solidarity. This type of journalistic cohesion is formidable – and society could benefit from more of it, especially when the press are often under siege.

Reporting vs. Transcription

No matter how much the defense chief might desire it, reporting is not mere transcription, and the government-sanctioned narrative is often only a starting point for more thorough investigation that reveals the facts.

The policy has been described as a “war on truth” that obviously imperils the purpose of free press guarantees and erodes the public’s right to understand what their government is doing.

The defense chief's reaction to this widespread defiance was characterized by a juvenile display of digital icons on online platforms, waving goodbye outlets that refused to comply.

Escalation of Media Controls

This newest action represents an increase in controls. Not only does the Pentagon seldom hold press briefings now, but previously it also prohibited reporters from most of the facility without an official escort. This departure from past practice impeded the ability of correspondents to collect nuanced information through everyday interactions.

Under the new policy, journalists could be designated a security risk simply for asking defense personnel for sensitive information.

Persistence of Journalistic Mission

It is certain that reporters and their organizations will persist to report on the operations of the Pentagon, educating the public about their leaders' decisions.

Credentials is not paramount. In fact, the professional pursuit for access to influential figures and organizations – and the impulse to protect that privilege – may hinder truthful journalism.

As a previous journalist noted, reporters can keep performing their duties through means besides transmitting government-sanctioned information to the public.

“Reporting of the military can be pursued through unauthorized disclosures, freedom of information petitions, and additional cooperative methods utilizing the legal system’s protections,” the journalist stated. And they can continue to do so, they added, “till this benighted administration sees out its days.”