URGENT UPDATE: A national security reporter has resigned from The Epoch Times following the outlet’s controversial decision to comply with stringent new Pentagon press guidelines. Andrew Thornebrooke announced his resignation on Friday, October 20, 2023, after The Epoch Times became one of only three U.S.-based media organizations to accept these restrictive measures imposed by Pete Hegseth’s Department of Defense.
In a poignant statement, Thornebrooke expressed his discontent with the publication’s direction, stating, “I can no longer reconcile my role with the direction the paper has chosen, including its increasing willingness to promote partisan materials, publish demonstrably false information, and manipulate the reporting of its ground staff to shape the worldview of our readers.” His resignation raises significant questions about journalistic integrity and the role of media in shaping public discourse.
The new Pentagon guidelines have sparked outrage among journalists, leading to a mass exodus from the Pentagon press corps. Reports indicate that between 40 and 50 journalists left in protest after refusing to sign the Department of Defense’s policy by the Wednesday, October 18, 2023 deadline. This wave of resignations highlights the growing tension between government authorities and the press, particularly in the face of increasing restrictions on access to information.
In response to Thornebrooke’s resignation, The Epoch Times’ editor-in-chief, Jasper Fakkert, defended the publication’s stance, arguing that “The Epoch Times does not view the new guidelines for Pentagon press access as an impediment to our reporting.” This statement has provoked further debate over the ethical obligations of media organizations in today’s politically charged environment.
As the fallout from this decision continues to unfold, the implications for press freedom and accountability are profound. Observers are closely watching how other media outlets respond to the new Pentagon guidelines and whether more journalists will follow Thornebrooke’s lead.
The Daily Beast has reached out to the Pentagon for an official comment, but no response has been received as of now. The situation remains developing, and the journalism community is on high alert for further repercussions from this significant shift in press relations with the Department of Defense.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue to monitor this urgent situation impacting press freedom and journalistic integrity.
