Press Freedom at Risk: Big News Outlets Fight Pentagon's New Rules

The New York Times has taken a stand against the Pentagon's new press policy. This policy, introduced last month, forces journalists to accept that they could be labeled security risks. If they do, they might lose their Pentagon press badges. The badges are important. They show that journalists have passed a background check. Without them, it's harder to report on the military. The Times filed a lawsuit in a Washington D. C. court. They argue that the policy violates free speech and due process rights. The lawsuit also names the Pentagon's spokesperson, Sean Parnell. The Times says the policy could stop the public from getting important information about the military. Many news organizations, including Fox News and Reuters, refused to sign the new policy. They gave up their press badges instead. They believe the policy threatens press freedom and their ability to report independently. The Pentagon's new policy says that publishing sensitive information is protected. But asking for such information could make journalists seem like a security risk. This is a big deal. It could change how journalists work and what they can report. Since the policy was introduced, the Pentagon has a new press corps. It includes pro-Trump outlets and individuals. Some of these include Laura Loomer, LindellTV, and James O'Keefe. The Pentagon held its first news briefing for this group. The press secretary criticized traditional media, calling them propagandists. This isn't the first time news outlets have sued over press access. In February, the Associated Press sued three senior Trump aides. The White House had limited the AP's access to press gatherings. The AP believes the restrictions are an attempt to coerce them into using the administration's preferred language. The lawsuit is still ongoing. A judge initially ruled in favor of the AP. But the D. C. Circuit paused that ruling while considering an appeal.