Five major broadcast networks say they will not sign Pentagon's new press policy

Core Issue - The Pentagon's new policy requires news organizations to pledge not to report anything the Pentagon hasn't explicitly approved, even if unclassified, which is unprecedented [1][2][7] - Almost all news organizations are refusing to sign the pledge, leading to a potential loss of access to the Pentagon [1] Industry Response - Major news outlets, including NBC and other broadcast networks, issued a joint statement condemning the policy as a threat to journalistic protections and vowing to continue independent coverage [4] - Even some conservative outlets like Newsmax and Fox News are not signing the pledge [2][3] Potential Consequences - Reporters who don't sign the pledge may have their credentials revoked and be barred from the Pentagon [11] - This could lead to news organizations covering the military from outside the Pentagon, potentially making it easier to report without internal influence [11] Government Stance - The Defense Secretary defends the policy, likening it to White House press restrictions, though the comparison is disputed [3][5] - The President has expressed support for the Defense Secretary's policy, but also deferred to him on the matter [9] Implications for Military - The military benefits from press access, including shaping narratives and allowing service members' stories to be told [8] - The policy's impact on rank-and-file military members is currently unclear, as they are likely waiting to see how the situation unfolds [12][13]