3 days ago
2
News Corp’s The Australian is one of just 11 global news outlets to have agreed to the Pentagon’s new press rules that have led to every major news outlet, including the Murdoch-owned Fox News, handing over their passes, according to US press reports.
One journalist from the newspaper has agreed to the new rules and as such retained access in the Pentagon Press Corps, according to a list seen by The Washington Post and published on X by open-source outlet OSINT Defender.
The decision to sign up to the rules is out of step with the vast majority of major news organisations, including fellow News Corp outlets, who have handed in their passes.
Major news organisations packed up and left The Pentagon this week, while The Australian has opted to retain its access.Credit: AP
The Australian is joined by a number of other global outlets including the Turkish state-run Anadolu Agency, newspaper Aksam and The Federalist, along with far-right publications One America News Network and The Epoch Times.
The Australian’s editor-in-chief, Michelle Gunn, was approached for comment but could not be reached. A News Corp spokesperson was also contacted for comment.
The newly renamed US Department of War demanded reporters sign a new document this week, which stipulates they cannot solicit information not explicitly authorised for release by the Pentagon, a move roundly criticised for its limitations on press freedom that could lead to severe punishment of reporters.
Loading
This week, the major US television networks including Fox, CNN, ABC, CBS and NBC released rare a joint statement, speaking against the new guidelines, 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.
Other 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.
Most Viewed in Business
Loading
