The Pentagon revised its media restrictions. They're just as bad for press freedom, experts say. - Poynter

"No journalists signed the initial memo, and the Pentagon distributed a new version Oct. 6. Despite some initial media reports framing the revised rules as being more relaxed, journalists and First Amendment advocates say the updated memo is just as dangerous. While it clarifies that journalists do not need to submit their writing to the Department of Defense for approval, it warns that journalists who "solicit" federal employees to disclose information that has not been approved for release may lose their press credentials."

""Solicitation may include direct communications with specific (Defense) personnel or general appeals, such as public advertisements or calls for tips encouraging (Defense) employees to share non-public (Defense) information," the revised memo states. In essence, the new memo shifts from attacking journalists' ability to publish the news to attacking their ability to gather it, experts say. From a press freedom standpoint, the dangers of the revised version "are clearly no better" than the ones in the initial version, said PEN America journalism and disinformation program director Tim Richardson."

The Pentagon issued media rules that initially appeared to forbid publishing information not approved for release, including unclassified material, threatening loss of press credentials. No journalists signed the original memo, and a revised Oct. 6 version clarified that prior approval of writing was not required but warned that "solicitation" of non-public Defense information could result in credential revocation. The memo defines solicitation to include direct contact and public appeals for tips. The revised rules shift enforcement from publication to information gathering, potentially criminalizing routine newsgathering and impeding public understanding of military actions.

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