MEDIA OUTLETS REJECT NEW PENTAGON PRESS RULES

Dozens of media organizations have reportedly rejected new press restrictions laid out by the U.S. Defense Department. Journalists handed in their badges and vacated their offices in the Pentagon after the deadline to sign the policy. President Donald Trump's administration had demanded media organizations sign the policy by Tuesday. It said it would not renew the credentials of their reporters otherwise. The new rules require journalists to request prior approval before reporting on information. The Pentagon would also be able to confiscate the credentials of reporters who seek information without approval. Reporters of outlets that refused to sign walked out of the Pentagon on Wednesday. The Pentagon Press Association issued a statement, saying October 15 is “a dark day for press freedom.” Reuters says at least 30 organizations have rejected the rules. NHK has also refused to sign the policy.