Storm in the US: Military newspaper editor fired after warning against censorship
The editor of 'Stars and Stripes' claimed he was fired after stating that possible censorship of news for soldiers would be a 'red line'. The publisher and a reporter for the newspaper also received notices of termination.
The editor of the American military newspaper 'Stars and Stripes' stated that the Pentagon fired him, along with the publisher and a reporter for the newspaper, after he spoke out against the possibility of military censorship, according to a report published this evening (Friday) by the AP news agency.
Erik Slavin, the editor-in-chief of the newspaper, said he was fired on grounds of 'insubordination' after he stated in an interview with CBS that any potential censorship of news for military personnel would be a 'red line'. Slavin maintains that 'Stars and Stripes' must remain editorially independent. The military newspaper is partially funded by the Pentagon but holds a long tradition of editorial independence.
Earlier this week, publisher Max Lederer announced his retirement, which was to take effect at the end of September. According to Slavin, Lederer also received a notice of termination, as did Middle East reporter Laura Corta.
