This week, the major US television networks, including Fox, CNN, ABC, CBS and NBC, released a rare joint statement, speaking out against the new guidelines and noting their reporters would not be signing up.
“Today, we join virtually every other news organisation in declining to agree to the Pentagon’s new requirements, which would restrict journalists’ ability to keep the nation and the world informed of important national security issues,” they said.
The new policy threatens core journalist protections, the outlets said, calling the move by former Fox News host and now War Secretary Pete Hegseth “without precedent”.
Michelle Gunn, editor-in-chief of The Australian.
Hegseth, a former weekend TV host on Fox, was selected by President Donald Trump as defence secretary, with the department later rebranded as the Department of War.
Major news organisations, including The New York Times, News Corp stablemate The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, also refused to sign up to the rules, as did the pro-Trump network Newsmax.
The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
