REGULATORY · USA
Federal judge blocks Department of Defense Pentagon press-access policy
Change
A federal judge blocked parts of the Department of Defense's policy that restricted journalists' access to the Pentagon.
Why it matters
A federal judge enjoined parts of the Department of Defense's October press-access policy. The blocked provisions included a requirement that reporters sign an agreement giving the Pentagon approval over information gathered before release and a rule barring non-signing outlets from daily building access. The injunction halts enforcement of those provisions but left some other policy restrictions in force. The Department of Defense has announced it will pursue an appeal.
Implications
- · Enforcement of specific access-and-approval controls is suspended, enabling challenged reporters and outlets to seek restoration of access.
- · Remaining policy restrictions continue to impose partial limits on information collection and building entry for some reporters.
- · The Department of Defense's announced appeal keeps the matter in active litigation and could determine the injunction's duration.
Who is affected
- · Pentagon-assigned journalists
- · Media organizations and reporters subject to access agreements
- · Department of Defense press and media-access administrators
- · Legal teams handling constitutional press-access litigation
What to watch
- · Department of Defense appeal filing and any appellate-court ruling
Source
Topics
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