Pentagon Blocks Press Access, Says 'Credibility Problem' Only for Some
The Independent reports the Pentagon is facing a lawsuit over new rules that include restrictions on where journalists can go and who they can speak to, stemming from an incident where a Fox News host supposedly bragged about taking desks from 'legacy media' during a visit. The New York Times calls these rules unconstitutional, an 'attempt to exert control over reporting.' Yet, for decades, access
for independent journalists challenging official narratives – especially on U.S. foreign policy and military actions – has been routinely denied or heavily chaperoned. Remember the 'embedding' of journalists during the Iraq War, which conveniently filtered coverage? Or the pervasive lack of access for critical voices trying to report from Gaza, often deemed too 'sensitive' or 'biased' by the very
institutions now crying foul? It appears the Pentagon's concern for 'journalistic credibility' only surfaces when their chosen narrative is challenged by familiar faces, rather than when reporters are documenting the very real consequences of U.S. military aid on civilian lives abroad. One might wonder if the 'credibility problem' is truly with the journalists or with the stories the Pentagon
doesn't want told. Perhaps the New York Times , which dutifully amplified government claims of WMDs in Iraq, or consistently frames Israeli actions as 'self-defense' while Palestinian resistance is 'terrorism,' might reflect on their own 'attempt to exert control over reporting the government dislikes' rather than just the Pentagon's.