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Pentagon moves to fire publisher and editor of Stars and Stripes
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- The Pentagon has moved to fire the publisher Max Lederer, editor-in-chief Erik Slavin, and Middle East reporter Lara Korte of Stars and Stripes, citing insubordination linked to interviews they gave to CBS News in July.
- Slavin stated he was being fired for opposing censorship of news for service members, emphasizing the importance of Stars and Stripes' editorial independence as mandated by law and Pentagon policy.
- Korte condemned the firings as detrimental to the institution and service members, highlighting the outlet's role in providing independent military coverage, especially on conflicts like the one in Iran.
- Publisher Lederer, who planned to retire on Sept. 30 due to differences with the Trump administration, had previously expressed concerns about the Pentagon's direction for the news outlet.
- Stars and Stripes, partially funded by taxpayers with a $29 million annual budget, remains a critical source of independent news for military personnel and their families, despite declining readership compared to past decades.
