Retired General Jack Keane, a senior strategic analyst for Fox News, expressed his views on the Pentagon's recently implemented press access policy during an appearance on "Special Report." Keane criticized the policy, suggesting that it limits journalists to receiving only spoon-fed information rather than encouraging investigative journalism.
He emphasized that journalism involves actively seeking out stories and gathering comprehensive facts, rather than passively accepting information provided by officials.
Keane reflected on his own experience, noting that while journalists did not have unrestricted access to senior Pentagon leaders, they pursued stories related to the Army and other military matters legitimately.
He acknowledged that sometimes the military preferred to delay public disclosures to organize their response, but journalists covering these stories played an important role in holding the military accountable.
Keane underscored that this dynamic is a fundamental aspect of journalism.
The retired general also shared his approach to media relations during his service, stating that he trained generals to welcome journalists and view them as conduits to the American public.
He believed in supporting the media even when stories were uncomfortable, as such coverage often reflected areas where the military could improve.
Keane’s perspective contrasts with the Pentagon’s current stance under Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who has enforced a new policy requiring journalists to agree to specific conditions before gaining access.
This new policy has faced significant pushback from major news organizations including ABC News, CBS News, CNN, FOX News Media, and NBC News.
In a joint statement, these organizations declined to accept the Pentagon’s requirements, arguing that the policy threatens core journalistic protections and restricts the ability to inform the public on critical national security issues.
They reaffirmed their commitment to covering the U.S.
military independently and upholding press freedom.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has defended the policy, doubling down on its enforcement during a White House meeting.
The debate highlights ongoing tensions between the Pentagon’s desire to control information flow and the media’s role in providing transparent and independent coverage of military affairs.
The issue remains a significant point of contention in the relationship between the U.S.
military and the press.