Pentagon says it will ‘refocus’ Stars and Stripes content
Stars and Stripes • • nation
Key Points:
- The Pentagon announced it will take over editorial control of Stars and Stripes, aiming to refocus content on warfighting and military-related topics while eliminating what it calls "woke distractions," challenging the publication's longstanding editorial independence.
- Stars and Stripes, a military-focused news outlet governed by First Amendment principles, has faced criticism from Democratic senators who argue that Pentagon oversight threatens press freedom and the trust of service members.
- Editor-in-Chief Erik Slavin emphasized the importance of independent journalism for military personnel, asserting the need for accurate, balanced coverage that holds military officials accountable.
- The Pentagon plans to have active-duty service members produce all content, with about half originating from Defense Department sources, raising concerns about potential propaganda and loss of journalistic credibility
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