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A veteran military reporter recalls many occasions throughout their career reporting on the defense establishment when the real narrative diverged significantly from the official account.

Following the capture of Baghdad in 2003, the at that time head of the Pentagon was publicly ecstatic, claiming it signaled the triumph of the US invasion. Yet, via unofficial conversations with personnel, the journalist quickly learned a more complex reality: additional forces were needed to protect logistical routes being targeted by loyalists of the former government.

“Did I as a reporter solicit information?” they stated. “Of course. That is the essence of journalism. Finding out what’s really going on behind the scenes and refusing to accept completely official statements says.

This reporter is among many Pentagon reporters confronting the loss of their credentials after declining to accept a controversial directive from the defense chief. The rule would mandate reporters to endorse an agreement asserting they will solely report information “explicitly authorized” by the military establishment.

Transformation from Overseers to State Functionaries

Signing such an agreement would essentially convert journalists “from watchdogs into state functionaries”, according to a former chairman of a prominent press association and former editor of a international wire service.

This individual is not alone. News organizations including major publications, wire services, and online platforms – including some with right-leaning viewership – are refusing the ultimatum.

Unsurprisingly, a network known as a state-friendly broadcaster has consented to comply.

Broadcast Networks Join the Movement

In a major development, the leading TV networks – including those seen as supportive of the current administration – released a joint statement stating their rejection.

“The policy is unprecedented and endangers fundamental press freedoms,” the statement declared. “We will continue to cover the armed forces as each of our organizations has done for many decades, maintaining the values of a independent media.”

This vast majority stance is correct – and it is encouraging to see such unity. This kind of journalistic cohesion is formidable – and society could use more of it, particularly when the press are frequently targeted.

Reporting vs. Transcription

No matter how much the defense chief might desire it, reporting is not stenography, and the officially approved story is frequently only a beginning for deeper reporting that uncovers the truth.

The policy has been described as a “war on truth” that clearly threatens the intent of free press guarantees and undermines the public’s right to know what their government is doing.

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

Escalation of Media Controls

This latest action constitutes an escalation in controls. Not only does the Department of Defense seldom hold press briefings these days, but previously it also prohibited reporters from most of the building without an minder. This deviation from past practice hindered the ability of reporters to gather detailed information through routine interactions.

Under the revised rules, journalists could be labeled a threat simply for asking defense personnel for confidential information.

Determination of Journalistic Mission

It is clear that journalists and their news outlets will persist to cover the activities of the military, informing the public about their leaders' decisions.

Access is not paramount. In fact, the journalistic quest for access to powerful people and institutions – and the desire to protect that privilege – may hinder accurate journalism.

As a former journalist observed, the press can continue doing their jobs through methods besides relaying government-sanctioned information to the audience.

“Coverage of the military can be conducted through unauthorized disclosures, public records requests, and other cooperative methods utilizing the legal system’s protections,” the journalist stated. And they can continue to do so, they added, “till this benighted regime sees out its days.”