Pentagon Press Association Raises Concerns Over New Credentialing Policies

The Pentagon Press Association has voiced concerns over the Department of Defense's recent implementation of new credentialing policies for journalists covering the Pentagon. The Association stated that negotiations to amend these policies "have not been as successful as we had hoped."

Under the new guidelines, reporters are required to sign a document acknowledging they will not disclose classified or controlled unclassified information without formal authorization. Non-compliance could result in the revocation of press credentials. The policy also mandates that "DoD information must be approved before public release... even if it is unclassified."

The Association highlighted that the policy "conveys an unprecedented message of intimidation to everyone within the DoD, warning against any unapproved interactions with the press and even suggesting it's criminal to speak without express permission."

Additionally, the Association expressed surprise upon learning that the Pentagon plans to relocate news organizations from their dedicated workspaces, a move they fear will further isolate reporters and hinder communication with sources and military spokespeople.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that the department has engaged in "good-faith negotiations" with the Association, maintaining open dialogue and accepting many of their suggested edits. He emphasized that reporters are not required to clear their stories with the Pentagon but are asked to confirm their understanding of the department's policies on information handling.

The deadline for news outlets to sign the revised guidelines is set for next week.