Erik Slavin
ON THE RECORD · 9 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“in a hypothetical situation, censorship would be a red line”
Erik Slavin · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-22
Erik Slavin recalled a past interview statement that he believed led to his firing.
“This is a time when we really need to hear what's happening,”
Erik Slavin · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-22
Erik Slavin voiced concern over censorship and Pentagon transparency after being dismissed from Stars and Stripes.
“less and less inclined to speak on the record”
Erik Slavin · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-22
Erik Slavin described Pentagon officials as increasingly reluctant to speak on the record.
“We need to be able to provide independent news to service members,”
Erik Slavin · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21
Erik Slavin stressed the importance of editorial independence for Stars & Stripes.
“'Don't run a perfectly accurate story, run this instead. Here it is, written by the Pentagon.' That would be a red line.”
Erik Slavin · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21
Erik Slavin discussed potential censorship boundaries during a televised CBS News interview.
“If we can’t do that, if we were turned into something other than that, if we were public relations? Yeah, that’s the foxhole.”
Erik Slavin · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21
Erik Slavin stated that he would defend the outlet from being turned into a public relations operation.
“According to the notice, I am being fired for stating in a CBS interview that censorship of news for service members would constitute a red line. The Pentagon's public affairs office has charged me with insubordination,”
Erik Slavin · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21
Erik Slavin responded to receiving a dismissal notice from the Pentagon.
“stating in a CBS interview that hypothetical censorship of news for service members would constitute a red line”
Erik Slavin · said 2026-08-21 · reported 2026-08-21
Erik Slavin explained why he believed he had been fired by the Pentagon.
“I stand by the principle that Stars and Stripes must remain editorially independent, as required by law and by the department's own policies.”
Erik Slavin · said 2026-08-21 · reported 2026-08-21
Erik Slavin emphasized the legal and policy mandate for Stars and Stripes to maintain editorial independence.