The Pentagon's rules of media engagement

Journalist or belligerent? What the Pentagon's Law of War manual means for conflict reporting; plus, tweeting the news.




The Pentagon has recently published new rules for its personnel on how to deal with the media, including guidance on how to treat reporters who cover wars.

The Law of War manual has entries on many issues relevant to combat reporters, such as suggesting that they seek permission from the authorities or risk being labelled "unprivileged belligerents" - akin to spies or saboteurs - should they raise suspicion in the field.

The wording of the manual has led many media organisations and media freedom groups calling for the rules to be revised, saying accurate reporting could be hindered. They also warn that authoritarian governments could adapt some of the rules for use in their own rule books. However, the US Department of Defense says the manual has been "misunderstood by the press."