Stars and Stripes editor says he has been fired for insubordination after doing interview

The editor-in-chief of Stars and Stripes, Erik Slavin, has been fired by the Pentagon, according to Slavin. He was also joined in his dismissal by the newspaper's publisher and a reporter. Slavin explained that he was let go for insubordination following an interview he conducted where he expressed concern over potential censorship by the U.S. military for service members.

In the CBS interview, Slavin stated that any censorship of news for service members would mark a "red line" for him. He emphasized his belief in maintaining the editorial independence of Stars and Stripes, which is partly funded by the Pentagon but has a strong history of independent journalism. Slavin stands by his stance, stating that the newspaper must remain editorially independent.

Publisher Max Lederer announced his retirement at the end of September, also citing a separation notice according to Slavin, along with Middle East reporter Lara Korte.