Judge Blocks Pentagon's Press Access Policy

0:00Global stories making news on March 21st. A federal judge has blocked key parts of the Defense Department's policy on press access to the Pentagon, ruling it violates the first and fifth. Amendments The decision came in a lawsuit filed by the New York Times after the policy limited where reporters could gather and share. The rules, road out last October, demanded that journalists sign off on getting approval for any information they collected, even if unclassified. After outlets like CBS News, ABC News, NBC News, CNN, Fox News, and BBC News, and lost their daily building access. That left the Pentagon press group mostly made up of outlets that signed on, including some conservative networks. The judge called the policy too vague, saying everyday journalism like asking questions could be seen as a security risk. He struck down the idea that access is just a privilege, not a right, and the ban on soliciting sensitive info. For certain areas of the building remain in place.

1:01The Pentagon quickly said it disagrees and will appeal. Press groups are celebrating the win and calling for full credential restoration, so expect more battles ahead on open access.