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Pentagon fires Stars and Stripes editor-in-chief and publisher FAST-MOVING
The Pentagon has issued termination notices to the leadership of the Stars and Stripes, a prominent U.S. military newspaper. The dismissals include Editor-in-Chief Erik Slavin, Publisher Max Lederer, and Middle East reporter Lara Korte.
Slavin and Korte stated that the terminations were linked to comments made during a CBS interview. Slavin noted he was cited for insubordination after stating that hypothetical censorship of news for service members would constitute a “red line.” Korte indicated her dismissal was related to clarifying that she works for the newspaper rather than the Pentagon.
Max Lederer, who had previously announced his intention to retire at the end of September after three decades with the publication, was also removed. The affected individuals have five days to appeal the decisions.
The Stars and Stripes is partially funded by the Department of Defense but has a long-standing history of maintaining editorial independence. The move comes amid tensions regarding press freedom and increased restrictions on journalist access to the Pentagon under the current administration.
Entities
Erik Slavin · Lara Korte · Max Lederer · Pentagon · Stars and Stripes
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Reporter Lara Korte was fired after stating she works for Stars and Stripes rather than the Pentagon. srnnews.com · ca.news.yahoo.com · www.latimes.com
- [● 10 SOURCES] The Pentagon fired Stars and Stripes editor-in-chief Erik Slavin, publisher Max Lederer, and reporter Lara Korte. srnnews.com · www.news18.com · www.latimes.com · dominicanrepublicpost.com · wtxnews.com · +5 more
- [● 10 SOURCES] Erik Slavin was fired for insubordination after stating in a CBS interview that hypothetical censorship of news for service members would be a red line. srnnews.com · www.news18.com · www.latimes.com · dominicanrepublicpost.com · wtxnews.com · +5 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Max Lederer had previously announced his retirement from the publisher role, effective at the end of September. srnnews.com · www.news18.com · www.latimes.com · dominicanrepublicpost.com · ca.news.yahoo.com · +1 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Pentagon recently installed an active duty military deputy to the publisher without the publisher's prior knowledge. www.latimes.com · www.staradvertiser.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The affected individuals have five days to appeal their dismissals. wtxnews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Stars and Stripes has an annual budget of approximately $29 million, with about half funded by taxpayers. wtxnews.com