Politics
Pentagon dismisses top Stars and Stripes staff over alleged insubordination
The editor-in-chief, a reporter, and the publisher of the US military newspaper were fired amid growing concerns over editorial independence.
The short version
- The Department of Defense dismissed Stars and Stripes editor-in-chief Erik Slavin, reporter Lara Korte, and publisher Max Lederer for alleged insubordination.
- Dismissed staff members and media advocates attribute the firings to public remarks regarding editorial independence and censorship red lines.
- The Pentagon declined to provide official comment on the personnel decisions or the reasoning behind them.
Key facts
- The US Department of Defense fired Stars and Stripes editor-in-chief Erik Slavin, Middle East reporter Lara Korte, and publisher Max Lederer citing insubordination.[BBC News]
- Slavin and Korte stated they believe their dismissals were connected to an interview they provided to CBS regarding press freedom and censorship.[BBC News]
- Stars and Stripes is partially funded by the Pentagon but maintains editorial independence under a congressional mandate and Defense Department rules.[BBC News]
- National Press Club President Mark Schoeff Jr. criticized the move as an attempt by the Pentagon to dictate military coverage and urged its reversal.[BBC News]