October 15, 2025 | 12:02 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Several US and international news organizations on Tuesday refused to sign the new rules proposed by the Pentagon for media access.
At least 30 news outlets, including the New York Times, the Associated Press, Reuters, AFP and Fox News, rejected the Pentagon's new media policy, saying that it violates the constitutionally protected right to free speech.
The Pentagon had warned that it would revoke press badges for news organizations that did not agree with the media access rules.
Why are news outlets objecting to the new policy?
Under the new policy, journalists have to acknowledge that they could be deemed security risks and have their Pentagon press badges revoked if they ask department employees to disclose classified and some types of unclassified information.
The new rules come after the Department of Defense has already restricted media access inside the Pentagon, forced some outlets to vacate offices in the building, and reduced the number of press briefings.
Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement on Monday: "The policy does not ask for them to agree, just to acknowledge that they understand what our policy is."
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth called the requirements "common sense," adding that "we're trying to make sure national security is respected."
What are the news organizations saying?
The Pentagon Press Association (PPA) said, the media policy "gags Pentagon employees" by threatening retaliation against reporters who seek out information that has not been pre-approved for release.
Major broadcasting networks ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News and NBC issued a joint statement saying they will not sign the new rules, which would "restrict journalists' ability to keep the nation and the world informed of important national security issues."
"The policy is without precedent and threatens core journalistic protections. We will continue to cover the US military as each of our organizations has done for many decades, upholding the principles of a free and independent press," the five networks said in a joint statement.
In addition to Fox News, other conservative outlets are also reportedly refusing to agree to the new policy, with the government could see a total of some 100 press passes revoked.
However, at least one news organization did sign the new policy: the far-right cable network One America News.
Editor’s Choice: Two Indonesian Journalists Reportedly Face Violence at Jakarta MBG Kitchen
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Is MTV Shutting Down After 40 Years? Here's Everything You Should Know
25 menit lalu
After 40 years in operation, MTV is reportedly set to close five of its music channels in the UK by the end of 2025.
US, China Impose Reciprocal Port Fees Amid Trade War
21 jam lalu
Port fees have kicked in after US said China's dominance of the global maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors resulted from unfair policies.
Palestinian Journalist Saleh Aljafarawi Shot Dead in Gaza City by Israel-Backed Gang
2 hari lalu
A Palestinian journalist Saleh Aljafarawi was killed while covering extensive damage in Gaza City neighborhood.
China Criticizes US for 'Double Standards' over New Tariffs
3 hari lalu
Beijing has threatened to take corresponding measures after Donald Trump threatened 100% US tariffs over China's limits on rare earth exports.
US: White House Starts Mass Layoffs Amid Shutdown Impasse
3 hari lalu
The White House has begun what it called "substantial" mass layoffs, as Republicans and Democrats continue to spar over the state budget.
Will the 2026 World Cup Be a Disaster for Fans?
5 hari lalu
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the most expensive, polluting and political yet.
Rupiah Opens Stronger as Market Expects More Fed Rate Cuts in 2025
5 hari lalu
The rupiah strengthened by 17 points or 0.10 percent to Rp16,556 per US dollar at the opening of Thursday's trading in Jakarta.
US Police Arrest Man Suspected of Starting Deadly LA Fires
6 hari lalu
Authorities in the US announced the arrest of a 29-year-old man for allegedly starting the devastating fire in the Los Angeles neighborhood.
Donald Trump Criticizes Greta Thunberg's Anger Management: 'She Needs to See a Doctor'
7 hari lalu
US President Trump has criticized climate activist Greta Thunberg, stating that she has difficulty controlling her anger and needs to see a doctor.
NLSIU Exhibits World-Class Legal Education During Southeast Asian Journalists' Visit
7 hari lalu
The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) showcased the institution's pioneering role in legal education and its expanding academic programs
