The U.S. State Department has issued a directive to cancel all news subscriptions deemed “non-mission critical” across embassies and consulates worldwide. The move is part of a broader cost-cutting initiative, aligning with efforts to reduce government spending on media contracts.
Sweeping Cancellation of News Subscriptions
Internal emails revealed that diplomatic posts were ordered to stop all purchases of newspapers, magazines, and online news subscriptions unless they were academic or professional journals.
A memo sent on February 11 to diplomatic missions, particularly in Europe, detailed the new policy. Embassies and consulates were instructed to issue “Stop Work Orders” on existing news subscriptions that did not directly contribute to their mission. This mandate extends to hundreds of U.S. embassies and consulates across the globe, affecting access to critical news sources used for decision-making.
Officials who rely on news coverage to assess security risks and geopolitical developments have raised concerns about the order. Diplomats stationed in foreign countries depend on reliable news sources, including local newspapers, to stay informed about events that could impact their operations. With the cancellation of these subscriptions, they worry that embassies might struggle to gather vital information needed for security and diplomatic planning.
A State Department official speaking on the condition of anonymity highlighted the potential dangers of this policy. According to the official, embassy security teams use media reports to evaluate risks before diplomatic travel, especially in politically unstable or conflict-prone regions. Without access to timely and credible news sources, there is concern that embassies could face challenges in identifying emerging threats and ensuring the safety of U.S. personnel abroad.
Targeting Specific News Organizations
An additional memo, dated February 14, instructed embassies to prioritize canceling contracts with six specific news subscriptions. The listed publications include The Economist, The New York Times, Politico, Bloomberg News, The Associated Press, and Reuters. These outlets, known for their extensive global coverage, will no longer be available to U.S. diplomats through government-funded news subscriptions.
The directive also set strict conditions for any exceptions to the cancellations. Employees who wish to retain a specific news subscription must justify their request in a single sentence. The request must meet one of three criteria: the news subscription must be essential for the safety of U.S. personnel or facilities, required by law or an international treaty, or provide a clear affirmative answer to one of three key policy questions—does it make America safer, stronger, or more prosperous?
These stringent requirements make it difficult for embassies to retain access to key news subscriptions. Diplomats and security personnel argue that these restrictions could hinder their ability to monitor political developments, security risks, and economic conditions in foreign nations.
A State Department employee who received the directive expressed deep concern over the impact of the cancellations. The employee, who spoke anonymously, warned that embassies would be left without crucial information needed for daily operations. According to them, cutting off access to reliable news subscriptions—especially local outlets—would make it harder for diplomats to respond effectively to emerging situations.
Government-Wide Effort to End Media Contracts
The cancellation of media subscriptions is not limited to the State Department. Other government agencies, including the Agriculture Department and the General Services Administration, have also ended their news contracts. Reports suggest that employees were instructed to cancel all media subscriptions without exceptions.
One of the affected news organizations, The Associated Press, has faced additional restrictions. Since February 12, AP reporters have been banned from White House events and denied access to Air Force One. This followed controversy over AP’s continued use of “Gulf of Mexico” instead of a name preferred by the administration.
The push to cut government-funded news intensified after Politico’s contracts with U.S. agencies drew criticism on social media. Some argued that taxpayer money should not support subscriptions to media outlets critical of government policies. Following the backlash, multiple agencies reviewed and canceled contracts with various news organizations.
While officials cite cost-cutting, some government employees worry that limiting access to news will affect diplomacy and security. Embassies and federal agencies rely on independent journalism to track global events, assess risks, and respond to threats. Without key news sources, diplomatic teams may struggle to gather crucial intelligence.
