News Networks Issue Joint Statement Against Pentagon’s New Press Access Requirements
On Tuesday, ABC News, CBS News, CNN, Fox News Media, and NBC News issued a joint statement acknowledging their refusal to sign new, restrictive Pentagon press access requirements issued by the Department of Defense.
“Today, we join virtually every other news organization 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,” the statement said.
It added, “The policy is without precedent and threatens core journalistic protections.”
The networks noted that, despite restricted access to the Pentagon, they will continue to cover the ongoing military activities, while still “upholding the principles of a free and independent press.”
The broadcast and cable news outlets join other news organizations, including The Associated Press, Reuters, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post, among others, in refusing to sign the new media rules requirements set forth by the Pentagon, which had a signing deadline of Tuesday night.
MSNBC, NewsNation, Newsmax, Bloomberg News, Scripps News, and PBS Newshour were not part of the joint letter, but they, too, have indicated that they will not be signing the Pentagon’s new media rules.
Here’s an updated list of who has signed and who is refusing to sign the Pentagon’s press policy. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202…
— Scott Nover (@scottnover.bsky.social) October 14, 2025 at 2:22 PM
The new rules stipulate that information, whether classified or otherwise, needs to be approved for release. Additionally, journalists need escorts to access large parts of the Pentagon.
So far, only OANN has agreed to sign the new set of restrictive rules.
The Pentagon Press Association, in a statement, said, “Reporting by the Pentagon press corps involves issues that matter not just to the public, but also to the well-being of the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and guardians who protect America on a daily basis.”
It pointed out that limiting journalists’ access to the Pentagon “should be a concern to all.”
Very strong and important statement from the Pentagon Press Association about how its members may soon lose their credentials. Please read and share. A free press matters. pic.twitter.com/vzEg25BvpR
— Phil Stewart (@phildstewart) October 8, 2025
https://www.adweek.com/tvnewser/news-networks-issue-joint-statement-against-pentagons-new-press-access-requirements/