Pentagon revises media access policy after court ruling

WASHINGTON

An official from the US Defense Department on Monday announced sweeping changes to media access rules following a federal court decision that struck down key portions of its previous policy.

"The Department always complies with court orders but disagrees with the decision and is pursuing an appeal," chief spokesman Sean Parnell said on the US social media company X’s platform.

His remarks came after US District Judge Paul Friedman in Washington, DC ruled last week that the Pentagon's restrictions on the press violated freedom of speech rights protected by the Constitution.

Parnell said he signed the revised "Pentagon Reservation In-Brief for Media Members."

Under the updated policy, the Pentagon will immediately close the Correspondents’ Corridor, a workspace traditionally used by credentialed journalists inside the building.

"A new and improved press workspace will be established in an annex facility outside the Pentagon but still on Pentagon grounds and will be available when ready," Parnell said.

“All journalist access to the Pentagon will require escort by authorized Department personnel,” he said, adding credential holders will continue to have access to the Pentagon for scheduled press briefings, press conferences and interviews arranged through public affairs offices.

WASHINGTON

An official from the US Defense Department on Monday announced sweeping changes to media access rules following a federal court decision that struck down key portions of its previous policy.

"The Department always complies with court orders but disagrees with the decision and is pursuing an appeal," chief spokesman Sean Parnell said on the US social media company X’s platform.

His remarks came after US District Judge Paul Friedman in Washington, DC ruled last week that the Pentagon's restrictions on the press violated freedom of speech rights protected by the Constitution.

Parnell said he signed the revised "Pentagon Reservation In-Brief for Media Members."

Under the updated policy, the Pentagon will immediately close the Correspondents’ Corridor, a workspace traditionally used by credentialed journalists inside the building.

"A new and improved press workspace will be established in an annex facility outside the Pentagon but still on Pentagon grounds and will be available when ready," Parnell said.