When our nation was first founded, it was made sure that the people had the right to free press. It was so vital to the foundation of our democracy that they put it first in the Bill of Rights.
Freedom of press assures that the government holds no control over publications such as newspapers.
A free press informs the public of politicians’ views and policies, and starts conversations in the world about current events. An informed public leads to a stronger democracy because voters are conscious of who they are voting for.
Through free press, publications can hold accountability over government officials. Journalists can call officials out in instances of corruption. The press criticizes politicians’ actions and beliefs which pressures them to do the right thing.
While the law lets the press stay free, we, as individuals, still must work to protect freedom of the press by staying aware of threats to free press.
Supporting newspapers, both local and national, ensures that newspapers are still able to operate and that free press stays protected. As The Washington Post says, “Democracy dies in darkness.”
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