Fox News and CNN not always agree, but are unified with major networks

October 17, 2025

Statement from Brenda Victoria Castillo, President & CEO of the National Hispanic Media Coalition 

Earlier this week, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth introduced a policy prohibiting journalists from reporting on any “unauthorized material”, even if the information is unclassified. Journalists who do not agree to this new policy will have their press passes revoked indefinitely. NHMC condemns this blatant attack on our constitutionally protected freedom of the press.  

Hegseth’s policy was met with unanimous resistance from the nation's leading media organizations. At least 30 news organizations declined to sign a new Pentagon access policy for journalists, including Fox News, The New York Times, ABC News, and The Guardian, all declined to sign the agreement. There is currently only one news outlet that has agreed to the policy, and it now stands as the sole organization covering the Pentagon. The remaining news outlet is a far-right organization that has pushed dangerous narratives that threaten democracy and marginalized communities. 

This policy represents a clear and deliberate violation of the First Amendment. The American public has a fundamental right to know how its government operates, and the press plays a critical role in ensuring transparency and accountability. For decades, media outlets have reported on the Pentagon without being subjected to restrictions like these. On Wednesday, there is footage from PBSNews, where journalists are seemingly packing up their belongings and equipment from their offices within the Pentagon. This is the first time in U.S. history that we have limited access to the Pentagon. 

Outlets across the political spectrum are standing together to defend press freedom, a rare and powerful show of unity in the face of government overreach.

NHMC condemns these new policies and remains dedicated to protecting all forms of press. To learn more about our efforts to #DefendThePress, read our letter to FCC Chairman Carr. 

Yours in the Movement,

Brenda Victoria Castillo

President & CEO

National Hispanic Media Coalition

National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) is a 40+ year old 501(c)(3) non-profit, nonpartisan, civil and human rights organization that was founded to eliminate hate, discrimination, and racism toward Latino and marginalized communities, which includes seniors, youth, and other historically excluded groups.

We advance Latino visibility and influence from the halls of Washington, D.C., to the studios of Hollywood. Through our media advocacy and workforce development initiatives, NHMC creates spaces where diverse creators can connect, collaborate, and thrive. Our Series Scriptwriters Program, Latinx Stream Showcase, Creators Networking Program, Careers in Entertainment Youth Program, and Media Advocacy Fellowships serve as both incubators and pipelines, preparing the next generation of storytellers, advocates, and industry leaders. Through mentorship, education, networking opportunities, and direct access to entertainment executives, these programs help transform emerging talent into lasting industry voices while expanding authentic representation across media.

We lead the work to eliminate online hate and disinformation across media platforms. We advocate in the space of Artificial Intelligence when it intersects with civil & human rights, including making sure Latino-Interest and children’s protections are included in AI initiatives and implementations. We advocate for the Affordable Connectivity Program, Lifeline Program, Net Neutrality protections, and closing the digital divide for Latino and other marginalized communities. NHMC works in partnership with other social justice organizations to safeguard democracy in the United States of America.

NHMC is a not-for-profit, and provides equal opportunities to all individuals without regard to race, religion, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

© 2026 National Hispanic Media Coalition // communications@nhmc.org // o. (626) 792-6462
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