Official: Pentagon allows coverage of war coffins

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Pentagon lifted its ban Thursday on media coverage of coffins of war victims as they arrive at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, according to a senior U.S. defense official with direct knowledge of the decision.

The coverage must be approved by families.

Some families have said they want the return of their family members' remains to be private, Pentagon officials say.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates is to announce the policy change at a news conference at 2 p.m. ET, the senior official said.

Gates ordered a review of the policy after President Obama asked for more information on the Pentagon's longstanding policy of barring media from viewing the coffins as they come into the base.