Publisher of US military newspaper Stars and Stripes retires amid reports of growing differences with Pentagon
Max D. Lederer Jr. has retired as publisher of Stars and Stripes, the U.S. military's independent newspaper, after 16 years. He expressed concerns over the Defense Department's vision for the paper, which has seen recent conflicts over editorial independence and coverage of military issues.
Max D. Lederer Jr., the publisher of Stars and Stripes, announced his retirement on Tuesday after nearly three decades in charge of the newspaper. Stars and Stripes, the US military's independent newspaper, has been at odds with the Pentagon over coverage and funding in recent years. Lederer, the second full-time civilian publisher, decided to step down because his philosophy and understanding of Stars and Stripes's value and mission differed from the Pentagon's plans for the organization.
In a note to staff, Lederer stated, "I leave with real pride in what we have accomplished together and with complete confidence in what you will accomplish next." The Pentagon fired the newspaper's ombudsman, Jacqueline Smith, less than four months ago, who was tasked with safeguarding editorial independence. Pentagon chief spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the newspaper would focus on warfighting, weapons systems, fitness, lethality, survivability, and other military topics, distancing itself from "woke distractions" and Associated Press reprints.
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