Government Controlling the Freedom of the Press - Research Paper Example

There has been recent evidence of the administration trying to control stories aired in the newsroom. The attempt has been through the federal communication commission (FCC) (Devon 1). The attempt has been through an investigation done by “Multi-Market Study of Critical Information Needs” (Devon 1). In this initiative, there is an attempt to gather information from television and radio broadcasters. The aim is to establish the process by which stories are selected (Devon 1). Moreover, the information collected through the initiative is used to designate “station priorities” (Devon 1). This is believed that it will help to filter content production quality, and the population served. The initiative is also meant to ensure there is no station bias and regulate exposure to critical information. It is assumed that if successful, the FCC agents will have the authority to visit newsrooms (Devon 1). The agent has also made an opinion on the key topics the government think could be covered with news outlets. The idea is a reflection of the federal government's attempt to suggest a topic for media news coverage.

Control of information through intimidation and coercion

The FCC has also focused on reporting. The agent has attempted to show what is appropriate to report. The same agent is the one responsible for the issuance of licenses to the broadcasters. The conflict of interest may act in compelling the media to follow the FCC instructions (Devon 1). Hence, failure to comply with the set standards may lead to media being threatened by penalties and license revocation.

On the other hand, the department of justice is also seen trying to control the press. There has been a report of the department tracking the movement of reporters (Fox News Insider 1). An example has been the recent tracking of Fox News correspondent James Rosen (Fox News Insider 1). The tracking has been on a security badge and attempted to get a warrant to search his phone records. This was all done in secret without the knowledge of the correspondents. Hence, the federal government can be described as trying to control the press with intimidation and coercion.

Conclusion

There has been an increasing attempt to control press freedom. This occurs even after the guarantee of freedom of prestress in the constitution. The attempt clearly saw through FCC initiatives to control stories aired, intimidation, and through the justice department. However, these attempts seem to fail due to constant criticism from members of the press.