COMM 1006 Week 6 The Free Press
A free press is an essential element of Western democracies because it upholds the fundamental values of freedom, equality, and justice that are enshrined in documents like the US Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The history of the United States shows that the struggle for a free press was intertwined with the fight for independence and the establishment of a democratic government. The British rule with a parliamentary system, unitary state, and constitutional monarchy had led to the colonists’ unhappiness and ultimately to the American Revolutionary War. The signing of the Constitution in 1787 marked the beginning of a government that drew its power from the people and was accountable to them. In this context, the free press serves as a watchdog, ensuring that those in power are held accountable and that the people are informed and able to participate meaningfully in the democratic process. It is through the free press that citizens can access diverse perspectives and information, hold their leaders accountable, and engage in open and informed debate. A free press is therefore critical for the functioning of a healthy democracy, as it enables citizens to make informed decisions and hold their representatives accountable.
COMM 1006 Week 6 The Free Press
The Constitution was initiated with the phrase “We the People” to establish that its authority comes not from a monarch or a legislature but from the populace itself. The Constitution’s effectiveness relies on the “power of the people,” and the authors of the Constitution realized that a free press is an instrument that the public will use to obtain information and exercise free speech, which in turn will safeguard the people’s justice and liberties. The press is made up of journalists and reporters who gather a story and communicate it to the public through various media. They are referred to as watchdogs and whistleblowers. The Founding Fathers recognized the importance of a free press to the new country and its democracy, which is why they included it in the First Amendment to the Constitution. In a democratic society, informed citizens play a crucial role in shaping how they are governed. The First Amendment protects the freedom of the press, which is vital to maintaining the accountability of the government to the people. A free press serves as a watchdog that investigates and reports on government misconduct. Additionally, it provides a platform for ordinary citizens to express themselves and access a wide range of information, making it a vibrant marketplace of ideas. When making important decisions such as choosing a presidential candidate, people rely on accurate information provided by the media. Thus, being knowledgeable and informed is essential for making sound decisions, and a free press is necessary for a democratic society to seek and disseminate news, information, opinions, and ideas while holding those in authority accountable.
COMM 1006 Week 6 The Free Press
According to Share America (2016), the press is an autonomous institution that plays a crucial role in informing, criticizing, and encouraging discussions in society. The press is made up of professional and responsible journalists who act as watchdogs, keeping the government and public officials accountable for their actions and investigating public concerns. The journalists must remain impartial, serving the interests of the people rather than being controlled by the government. They investigate the news, report on the public officials and governing bodies, and raise awareness of issues of concern to the public. Journalists seek out corruption and other irregularities, exposing them to the public, and need protection from political or public powers that may attempt to punish them for doing their jobs. These investigations can bring to light cases of corruption or wrongdoing by public or government officials. From our expert get free COMM 1006 Week 6 The Free Press
According to Share America (2016), the press has a responsibility to inform, criticize, and encourage debate, and must act as an independent institution that is professional and responsible. Journalists, acting as watchdogs, must investigate public and government officials and report on any corruption or concerns they uncover. They must be protected from punishment by the officials they report on and held accountable for any abuses of power. This accountability helps voters make informed decisions and can result in officials being impeached, recalled, or replaced. As the fourth estate, the press acts as a check against government corruption and abuse of power. Therefore, it is essential that the press be free from control by the public or governing officials, as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution.
COMM 1006 Week 6 The Free Press
State-run media threatens personal freedom by limiting access to unbiased and diverse information, which is essential for individuals to make informed decisions and participate in a democratic society. When a government controls the media, it can manipulate information and shape public opinion to serve its own interests.
This can lead to a lack of transparency, accountability, and the suppression of dissenting voices. Additionally, state-run media can also be used to suppress and persecute individuals or groups who are critical of the government or its policies. In essence, state-run media undermines the fundamental principles of free speech and democracy and can lead to a society that is oppressed and deprived of its personal freedoms. Walden University’s mission is to promote positive social change by creating and applying ideas, strategies, and actions that improve the worth, dignity, and development of individuals, communities, organizations, institutions, cultures, and societies. A free press is essential to this mission because it enables the dissemination of diverse perspectives and ideas, which are necessary for creating positive social change. Through Walden’s study abroad and international public service programs, students are exposed to new cultures and gain a greater appreciation for cultural differences, which is crucial in a world that is becoming increasingly diverse. According to Lauria, L. (2012), diversity will continue to be an important issue for every state as the world ages.
Reference
N.a.,2016 Media freedom is important. Here’s what you can do. https://www.share.america.gov ShareAmericaree press https://www.richmondregister.com Richmond Register Walden University, n. Lauria, L., 2012 State-Owned Media and the Public Interest https://www.americasquarterlymediaandthepublicinterest Americas Quarterly Ridings, D., 2020 Recalling the Founders’ views of a fd., Social Change https://www.waldenu.edu Walden University Constitution Annotated, n.d., Amdt 1.3.1 Historical Background of Free Speech Clause https://www.constitution.congress.gov Constitution Annotated
