Stars and Stripes Publisher Max Lederer Jr. Retires by Sept. 30 as Pentagon Pushes Editorial Control
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 20
Stars and Stripes Publisher Max Lederer Jr. Retires by Sept. 30 as Pentagon Pushes Editorial Control
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 20
Summary
Max D. Lederer Jr. said he will retire effective Sept. 30, telling staff his view of Stars and Stripes’ mission differs fundamentally from the Defense Department’s direction for the paper.
Seven months after the Pentagon vowed to refocus the outlet away from “woke distractions,” Lederer said proposed changes — especially shifting print products to digital — could reduce access for troops.
Less than four months earlier, the Pentagon fired ombudsman Jacqueline Smith, whose role was to protect editorial independence, and an advisory board letter warned a newly installed deputy could further threaten that independence.
Roughly half of Stars and Stripes’ budget comes from the Pentagon, yet its mission statement says it is protected by its own editorial chain of command and First Amendment principles as it serves troops overseas.