• by Ray Schultz , Columnist, 5 hours ago

American readers are likely not getting the coverage they deserve from the Pentagon.  

Numerous reporters handed in their press credentials and walked out last week, refusing to sign documents that would restrict their reporting. 

But the Pentagon came back and announced that “over 60 journalists, representing a broad spectrum of news media outlets and independent journalists, have signed the Pentagon’s media access policy and will be joining the new Pentagon press corps.”

The list of publications signing the policy rules appear to be reliably conservative. They will do as they are told.

Liberal or neutral reporters who refused to sign are out but vow to continue. 

It leaves press observers wondering how news from the Department of Defense/War is going to be accurately covered.  

Any good reporter who has covered this beat for years knows how to get stories without having to walk around the Pentagon building. Trustworthy sources from within will contact them if something happens or answer queries. 

But it may come to resemble a spy movie, or All the President’s Men. They may have to speak on pay phones and meet in garages late at night if Pete Hegseth taps their work and home phones, or accesses their email. 

And one wonders what will happen if someone gets a huge scoop—like the presence of Soviet missiles in Cuba in 1962, which the New York Times held on request of the administration. Will reporters be prosecuted for breaking break major scoops that nobody wants?

Very probably. In April, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the government would seek reporters’ phone records when investigating leaks, according to The New York Times. 

Another risk in this situation is that the rebellious reporters may be prevented from being embedded with combat units in the event of a war.  

Publishers might find their business interests being threatened if their teams are prevented access. And citizens will lose a source of important news. 

The press has to do its job—truth and democracy depend on it. And it doubtless will.