The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution - Essay Example

In the U.S, the media acts as the watchdog for the public. The news organizations use an-house critic to hear about public complaints. After that, the media broadcasts or publishes their judgments. In addition, the press creates citizens’ council which hears public complaints about the media and they issue verdicts, which are then aired widely (Edwards, 2001). Even though the freedom of the press is protected under the First Amendment, freedom is sometimes restricted. The freedom for the press received little support from a bigger number of states.

The punishment was permitted for libelous and seditious publications. In many states, truth is not a defense to allegations of defamation. In any case, a story discredits the reputation of any public official, the publisher is held responsible for money damages even if the published story is accurate. In states where truth is allowed as a form of defense, the publisher carries the burden of demonstrating its veracity (Bailyn, 1992).