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SPJ condemns recent actions by the Pentagon that “threaten to further undermine the editorial independence of Stars and Stripes, continuing a troubling pattern of interference with the military news organization’s independent journalism,” the Society announced Aug. 20.
SPJ said longtime Stars and Stripes publisher, Max Lederer, who has led the publication since 2007 and spent more than three decades with the organization, announced this week that he will retire Sept. 30, citing fundamental differences with Pentagon leadership over the publication’s future direction. “His announcement comes amid a series of Pentagon actions that have raised concerns about Stars and Stripes’ editorial independence,” SPJ said.
News reports indicate Pentagon officials are considering removing Lederer before his planned retirement. The Pentagon has also appointed active-duty Navy captain William Urban to the paper’s leadership, which has traditionally been made up of civilians.
“Stars and Stripes cannot fulfill its mission if its journalists or newsroom leaders must worry that independent reporting could bring retaliation from the officials they cover,” said SPJ National President Chris R. Vaccaro. “Service members and their families deserve journalism that is produced in their interests – not journalism shaped to serve the interests of the Pentagon.”
SPJ: Phoenix, Arizona Chapter 
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