New Pentagon Rules May Change War Reporting

[Purveyor]

Washington (AFP) - New guidelines in a US military war manual may change the rules for reporters covering conflicts, but it remains to be seen how the Pentagon will implement the new policy.

Media watchdog organizations have expressed shock and concern that reporters could be treated as "unprivileged belligerents" under the Defense Department's new Law of War Manual, which provides guidance for US commanders and others.

The Pentagon has insisted it "supports and respects the vital work that journalists perform." But some media advocates see too much room for maneuver in the guidelines.

Reporters Without Borders joined other organizations this past week in expressing concern, sending a letter to Defense Secretary Ashton Carter urging consultations on the issue.

In the letter to the US defense chief, the Paris-based group said it was concerned that journalists could lose "privileged" status in combat areas merely by "the relaying of information," which, according to the guidelines, "could constitute taking a direct part in hostilities."

"This terminology leaves too much room for interpretation, putting journalists in a dangerous situation," said the group's secretary general, Christophe Deloire, in the letter.

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[PSPS]

1. Makes sense in a country where militarized police regard citizens as "unprivileged belligerents."

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. Bingo

in this case the little birdies are not coming home to roost, they are leaving the roost and spreading their wings. Those wings need a clipping.

[Purveyor]

3. Not sure why but your post make me think of this....

[nadinbrzezinski]

4. Very much a classic!

[awoke_in_2003]

5. What war reporting?

They are all embedded now, and only allowed to see what the military wants them to see