The Freedom of the Press - Research Paper Example

The Freedom of the Press The freedom of the press entails the right to publish or to print information without any restrictions from the government. Media companies fight for the right to be free from governmental control, in disseminating information to the public. In some instances, the government tends to limit the freedom of the media. Newspapers, magazines, and other media houses may be denied the freedom to reveal some information to the public. However, they battle endlessly to minimize governmental interference over their affairs. This essay will focus on whether the public should support the freedom of the press. More specifically, the essay will answer the question: Should the public support the freedom of the press? Introduction According to Joseph (1997), Freedom of the press is a crucial aspect, which should be safeguarded and upheld. Many countries enact laws that determine how the media should operate. Freedom of the press and the freedom of speech are two interrelated concepts. Freedom of the press implies non-interference from the state or the various organs of the state. Media house and companies may seek their freedom through legal means, which may be stated in the constitution. Governments may define which materials should not be disclosed to the public, based on how it classifies information. Some government information may be secret or sensitive; governments protect such information from exposure to the public. Cornwell (2004) states that “the universal declaration of human rights provides for freedom and rights of expression and opinion to every person” This freedom extends to the rights to air one’s opinions without interference. It also includes the right to impart information and ideas through any form of media, be it print or broadcast. However, there are legislation accompanying this viewpoint; this legislation ensures that media freedom is put under scrutiny. Government legislation may prohibit foreign media and journalists from covering issues happening within the country. For example, in times of revolutions and wars, the press may not be allowed to cover the events taking place. Thus, the public may not be aware of instability and brutality in their countries. Limiting the press freedom affects the public negatively, as people remain in the dark, without any knowledge of some crucial events taking place in their country (Hume, 2005). This paper will discuss the benefits that can be gained when the public supports the freedom of the press. Reasons why the public should support the freedom of the press The public should join hand with the media in fighting for the freedom of the press, because of the various benefits gained when the press is free. Firstly, a free press holds the government accountable for its actions. In cases where the public may not be able to scrutinize the activities of government agencies, the media come in and do so (Hume, 2005). Some governments may not be willing to be transparent, government officials may indulge in corruption and misappropriation of public funds. In such a case, a press that has freedom ensures that the public becomes aware of the way funds are being utilized. An independent media may initiate demonstrations and mass action, where citizens get the opportunity to protest against corrupt government officials. When the media lead citizens in protesting, governments may be forced to dismiss corrupt officials (Bollinger, 1991). As Cornwell (2004) notes, press freedom should get public support because a media that hold the government accountable can help in upholding the rule of law. This will create more stability in a country and make it more attractive to investors. International politics, commerce, and trade activities mainly depend on the media. Newspapers, magazines, and broadcast media give information on the global business trends (Nancy, 2007). Therefore, business people highly depend on the media to get information on trade. In addition, the media act as a vehicle for bringing people together to address key issues. Thus, the public should support press freedom to enhance trade, commerce, and stability in the country. Bollinger (1991) asserts that a free press ensures the publication of issues that may be central to the safety of the public. Without an independent press, the full responsibility for information regarding the public rests on the government. Lack of public engagement can undermine economic growth and security in a country. The Media may be prohibited by the government from reporting epidemics and serious crises. This may happen in cases where the government wants to minimize the crisis. For example, the Chinese media did not accurately report the SARS epidemic, which happened in 2003. As a result, the public was not warned of the spread of the pandemic in Beijing. Thus, with press freedom, the public will be aware of issues such as diseases; which would otherwise wipe out many people if not reveled to the public (Cornwell, 2004). When the media function freely, without interference from the government, they can be vital in educating the public. Local newspapers, television, and radio stations play a significant role in creating awareness on democracy. The press holds programs and activities concerning the rights of individuals. They make people aware of the basic rights and services that they should access from the government. People get assistance from the government through the media; it the media that expose the needs of the public for the state. Through a free media, the public gets information on health and upholding hygiene. Thus, the public should support the freedom of the press because it empowers the public (Nancy, 2007). A free media acts as a voice for the voiceless in the society. The press can spot or point out problems and rally the government and the public to address them. Press that has the freedom to broadcast and print information can advocate for the rights of the disadvantaged groups. For example, the plight of the disabled persons is best realized through the media. Thus, the public should support the freedom of the press because this will allow public access to crucial information. Besides, supporting press freedom ensures that disadvantaged groups get the assistance they require (Hume, 2005). Deutsch & Eleanor (2007) argues that, with a free press, the people get connected to each other; they get local news on the events within their locality. For example, in times of disasters and natural calamities, such as floods and hurricanes, the media inform the public. The media act as a vehicle for uniting people in a country, as well as outside the country. People learn the need to live a unified life through the media; it brings people together for a common goal. Reeves (1999) assert that a free press ensures that people come together for a specific goal and purpose. In times of war, violence, and civil strife, the media spread messages of unity within the nation. The result of this is unity among the people, as the press aims to restore stability. Thus, the public should support the freedom of the press as this enhances interaction between people. According to Reeves (1999), the public should support freedom of the press since the media plays a significant role in promoting peaceful coexistence between the people in a nation. Numerous peace journals and magazines have been published, emphasizing the need for unity. These peace messages ensure that people in the society are not in war with each other. When the media provide news of war and violence, people realize the need to live without war. There are cases where the media may be prohibited from giving information regarding war. As a result, the media may not reveal crucial information to the public. The public remains in unknowledgeable on what is happening in the country. If the government allows for the press freedom, the public will know about the sensitive events in the country. Thus, by supporting the freedom of the press, the public will be aware of the some events happening in the country (Deutsch & Eleanor, 2007). According to Joseph (1997), free media acts as a community forum where people meet and share ideas about the community. The press contributes to cooperation of people to address the issues of concern to the society. For a long time, solutions to problems facing the community have been generated by the press. In addition, the media ensure that people get entertained. When the government limits the freedom of the press, people may not access the entertainment. They may not also come together to address problems in their locality. Thus, the public should support the freedom of the press to ensure that they access entertainment. Supporting press freedom will also ensure that people come together for a common purpose (Nancy, 2007). Conclusion In conclusion, the above essay has described the freedom of the press. It has given the benefits that would be gained if the public supports the freedom of the press. The freedom of the press would ensure that the public becomes aware of their rights, and they hold the government accountable. In addition, press freedom enhances cooperation between the people, as it brings the society together for a common purpose. Based on the numerous benefits of press freedom, the public should support the freedom of the press. References Bollinger, L. (1991). Images of a Free Press. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Cornwell, C.N. (2004). Freedom of the press: rights and liberties under the law. New York: ABC-CLIO Inc. Hume, E. (2005). Foundations of Democracy: Freedom of the press. Chicago: Diane Publishing. Joseph, M.K. (1997). Freedom of the press. New York: Anmol Publications. Reeves, R. (1999). What the People Know: Freedom and the Press. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. Deutsch, K & Eleanor, M. (2007). Freedom of the press 2007: a global survey of media independence. Rowman and Littlefield. Volume 5 Issue 7. Lee B. Becker, Tudor Vlad, and, Nancy Nusser. (2007). An evaluation of Press Freedom Indicators: International Communication Gazette, vol.69, no.1.pp. 5-28 Read More