Fired Stars and Stripes reporter says paper's editorial independence "has to be instituted in practice"

August 24, 2026 / 3:26 PM EDT / CBS News

Fired Stars and Stripes reporter says paper's editorial independence "has to be instituted in practice"

TL;DR

  • Lara Korte, a recently dismissed reporter from Stars and Stripes, asserts that the newspaper's editorial independence is crucial and needs to be proven through actions.
  • The Pentagon is moving to dismiss Publisher Max Lederer, Editor-in-Chief Erik Slavin, and reporter Lara Korte, citing insubordination.
  • Korte believes the alleged insubordination is linked to interviews she and Slavin gave to CBS News.
  • Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated the intention to modernize Stars and Stripes and shift its content away from "woke distractions."
  • Korte noted recent Pentagon memos suggesting a halt to syndicating articles from The Associated Press and The Washington Post, which she considers valuable for readers, especially those in remote locations with limited internet access.