WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. military's decision to bar embedded reporters in Afghanistan from publishing photographs of U.S. military personnel injured or killed in action hampers journalists' ability to independently report the war and the public's right to know.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080917/NPCLOGO)
"The U.S. military should not determine what is and is not news," National Press Club President Donna Leinwand said. "Censoring journalists who cover war and permitting only government-approved news and photographs undermines our country's fundamental commitment to a free and independent press."
The policy applies to Regional Command East, which distributes press badges to reporters in Afghanistan. Initially, the policy barred media from even photographing or recording video of U.S. personnel killed in action. A policy modification announced Wednesday says journalists may view, photograph and videotape casualties, but may not publish the images.
In a democracy, the news media serve a critical watchdog role on the three branches of government. When government seeks to control the media, it weakens that independence and devalues the information released to the press and the public.
This move is particularly disappointing in light of President Obama's pledge to foster transparency in his administration.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB
The National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. Founded in 1908, the Club has 3,500 members representing most major news organizations. Each year, the Club holds more than 2,000 events including news conferences, luncheons and panels, and more than 250,000 guests come through its doors
SOURCE National Press Club
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080917/NPCLOGOAP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.orgPRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.comNational Press Club
