Epoch Times Reporter Resigns After Publication Signs Pentagon Rules

A reporter for the Epoch Times, a conservative-leaning news outlet, has resigned in protest after the publication signed a contract with the Pentagon to abide by its media relations rules. Andrew Thornebrooke, who had been working with the Epoch Times for some time, announced his resignation citing concerns over the potential limitations on his reporting.

According to sources, Thornebrooke’s decision to leave the publication was triggered by the Epoch Times’ recent agreement with the Pentagon to follow its guidelines for media interactions. The exact terms of the agreement are not publicly known, but it is believed to include restrictions on the types of stories that can be published and the language used to describe certain topics.

Thornebrooke also expressed his discontent with a recent editorial directive from the Epoch Times, which instructed reporters to refer to antifa, a far-left ideological movement, as a terrorist organization. This move was seen as a significant shift in the outlet’s editorial stance, and Thornebrooke reportedly felt that it compromised his journalistic integrity.

The Epoch Times has been known for its critical coverage of the Chinese government and its conservative views on various issues. However, the outlet’s decision to sign a contract with the Pentagon has raised questions about its commitment to independent journalism. Thornebrooke’s resignation has sparked a debate about the role of media outlets in holding those in power accountable and the challenges of maintaining editorial independence in a complex and rapidly changing media landscape.

As the media industry continues to evolve, the resignation of Andrew Thornebrooke serves as a reminder of the importance of journalistic integrity and the need for outlets to prioritize fact-based reporting over external pressures or agendas. The Epoch Times has yet to comment on Thornebrooke’s resignation, but his departure has sparked a wider conversation about the challenges facing journalists and media outlets today.