In a recent move this past Friday night, the Department of Defense introduced what they’re calling an “annual media rotation program” for the press corps stationed at the Pentagon. This new setup means some well-known media outlets, including NBC News, will need to make way for others to step into their office spaces.
Alongside NBC News, other major players like The New York Times, National Public Radio, and Politico are also affected. These organizations received their notifications via a general memo sent to the press corps. The accompanying email had a somewhat curt note, stating, “no additional information will be provided at this time.”
“For over fifty years, the reporters at the Pentagon have benefited from having individual office spaces that facilitate easy access to top military and civilian officials,” noted Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot in a memo directed to the Pentagon Press Association. Ullyot explained that, starting February 14, 2025, this space limitation will be addressed by allowing other outlets the opportunity to work from within the Pentagon under the new Annual Media Rotation Program.
NBC News expressed their discontent with this decision, emphasizing that revoking their access to a long-held broadcasting booth presents significant challenges to their news-gathering efforts. They stated, “We will continue to report with integrity and rigor as always.”
This shake-up follows closely on the heels of the Senate’s narrow confirmation of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has faced scrutiny in recent weeks over his behavior and past allegations regarding his treatment of women. Notably, Hegseth has denied these claims.
NBC has been among those covering these troublesome allegations against Hegseth.
The memo that broke the news of these changes provided only basic information, categorizing the outgoing outlets by media type – TV, print, radio, and online – while outlining a two-week timeframe to vacate their current spaces.
Newcomers to the rotating bunch include One America News Network, which takes the spot of NBC News; the New York Post; Breitbart News Network; and HuffPost. It’s worth noting that three are conservative outlets, while HuffPost is known for leaning progressive.
Interestingly, HuffPost, despite the invitation, does not have a correspondent stationed at the Pentagon, nor had they requested a space, as clarified by spokesperson Lizzie Grams. Grams remarked, “If the administration under Trump and Secretary Hegseth seeks robust coverage by HuffPost on their management of the Defense Department, we are prepared to deliver.”
On their part, One America News conveyed enthusiasm about the change. “Having maintained a bureau in Washington since 2013, we eagerly anticipate access to a Pentagon office space and intend to make full use of it once available,” remarked their spokesperson.
NBC News has reached out to its fellow media platforms for their comments on this unexpected shake-up.
Sadly, the memo was short on details regarding the selection process for the rotation program, leaving questions about how outlets were chosen for replacement or how long they’d be without a dedicated space.
NBC News has had a presence in the Pentagon for years, utilizing their space for timely broadcasts. The technological setup installed there—technical equipment, phone lines, and camera—is crucial for breaking news reports. It’s uncertain how NBC News will manage its broadcasts post-transition.
Even though these outlets are losing physical offices, Ullyot reassured that they remain part of the Pentagon press corps. This indicates they can still access briefings and potentially accompany Department leaders on travels as before.
Reacting to the changes, the Pentagon Press Association shared their unease. They noted, “Our resident press corps has grown through the years, welcoming new members, but this sudden decision is troubling.” They’ve requested a meeting and promised to keep the community updated.
At her first press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted the administration’s plans to open up to diverse media voices, noting efforts to restore press passes to numerous journalists affected by past policies.
