Pentagon faces another legal challenge over new media rules
PBS • • nation
Key Points:
- The Defense Department issued a revised Pentagon media credentialing policy after a judge struck down previous restrictive rules that limited reporters' access to the building.
- The New York Times, which sued the Pentagon over the initial rules, claims the new policy still violates the judge's order by imposing vague standards and restrictions, including requiring escorts for credentialed reporters.
- The Times' attorney argues the Pentagon's policy engages in viewpoint discrimination and infringes on First and Fifth Amendment rights by limiting reporters' ability to independently seek and report information.
- The Pentagon's new rules continue to prohibit soliciting unauthorized information, including unclassified details, which the Times says undermines basic journalistic practices and the public's right to know.
- The court's ruling applies broadly to all reporters covering the Pentagon, but the Defense Department has appealed and refuses to fully comply, prompting the Times to file a new motion to enforce the judge's order.
