Follow up now on a story we have been tracking for months…
The Pentagon last week fired the publisher, editor, and a top reporter from Stars and Stripes citing insubordination.
The firings come a few months after the paper’s ombudsman, Jacqueline Smith – a veteran of the Meriden Record-Journal, Danbury News-Times and Hearst Connecticut Media – was let go without cause. In all four cases, those losing their jobs had voiced support publicly for the journalistic independence of Stars and Stripes. Smith is suing to get her job back.
Stars and Stripes gets much of its funding from the U.S. government and is mandated by law to provide independent, truthful coverage of the U.S. military. The current Pentagon leadership does not like that law and is trying to change the mission of the paper to one favoring propaganda.
Coverage:
Blumenthal[others] Seek Answers on Stars and Stripes Leadership Change – News Release
Editor, Publisher of Stars and Stripes Fired – PBS NewsHour
Stars and Stripes, Pentagon Mouthpiece – Editor and Publisher
