Five major news networks refuse to sign new Pentagon press policy

WASHINGTON (NBC, KYMA) - Five major broadcast networks say they will not sign a new press policy going into effect at the Pentagon.

NBC News, ABC News, CBS News, CNN and Fox News Media issued a joint statement Tuesday declining the new measure which says reporters could have their press passes revoked if they publish information that the pentagon has not authorized for release, including unclassified information.

The networks said in their statement that the policy is "without precedent and threatens core journalistic protections."

Several other media organizations, including The Associated Press, NPR, Reuters and The New York Times, have also objected to the new rule.

On Monday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said, in a post on X, Pentagon access is a privilege, not a right.

The deadline to sign was set for 5:00 p.m. Eastern Tuesday.