politics
The military's own newspaper is too 'woke' for Pete Hegseth as longtime Stars and Stripes publisher retires after decades of service
The longtime publisher of Stars and Stripes has announced his retirement, ending a decades-long career with the military newspaper as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Pentagon moves to exert editorial control and eliminate what it asserts are “woke distractions.”
TL;DR
- Stars and Stripes publisher Max D. Lederer Jr. is retiring at the end of September.
- Lederer stated his leadership philosophy and understanding of the newspaper's mission differ from the Pentagon's direction.
- The Pentagon, led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, aims to exert editorial control and eliminate 'woke distractions'.
- This follows the recent dismissal of Jacqueline Smith, the newspaper's ombudsman for editorial independence.
- Hegseth's spokesman indicated a refocusing of content towards 'warfighters' and away from 'woke distractions'.
- There have been broader efforts by the Pentagon to control media coverage, including restrictions on journalists and the classification of its press office.
- Lederer expressed concerns about the Pentagon's modernization efforts, particularly the transition to digital-only formats, fearing reduced accessibility for troops.
- The advisory board's chair has also expressed concern that a newly installed deputy threatens the newspaper's editorial independence.