Freedom of the press. Speak on freedom of the press, its basic principles and criteria and its status in major countries.
The topic presented to you today is devoted to the problem of the freedom of the press. In my speech I am to dwell upon the following points:
— Firstly, I am to give the definition of freedom of the press;
— Secondly, I would like to speak about what restricts this freedom nowadays;
— Finally, I am to draw a conclusion expressing my opinion.
By way of introduction I would like to give the definition of freedom of the press. Freedom of the press is the freedom of communication and expression through vehicles including various electronic media and published materials. While such freedom mostly implies the absence of interference from an overreaching state, its preservation may be sought through constitutional or other legal protections.
Speaking about current state of freedom of the press, I should say that it is one of the central problems of mass media and of democratic society on the whole. To have a democratic society means to have a viral healthy journalism – objective, honest, incorruptible. At the same time government is not ready to have that kind of democracy, in which press is allowed to tell the truth about everything including government itself. As a result of this controversy democracy and freedom of the press both come under question.
However, not only government restricts journalism. News giants also establish their own codes and rules. In fact, they find it much better business holding their news division to a fierce accounting than giving journalists autonomy in their professional decisions since «right» news is much more profitable. Therefore modern newspapers and TV programs are full of trivial news such as celebrity gossip or numerous scandals, which are high on sensationalism but low on information. As a result, the current state of freedom of the press is questionable.
The situation is the same in the majority of countries; the very idea of freedom of the press seems to remain utopian until the standards of democratic society are reached. Thus up to this point journalists do not cope with performing their main function of telling credible news.
In conclusion I would like to say that freedom of the press should be properly protected by law in the first place, which will allow no corruption or bias in mass media. Secondly, there should be an organization which responsibility is to check information for its credibility. And finally journalists should be encouraged to tell the truth, their revealing independent reports and investigations should be rewarded by professionals and public.
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The Press, as identified with Newspapers, wields immense power in a democratic society. Dickens has called the Press “the mighty engine”. So great is its influence that some have called it the Fourth Estate. Napoleon used to say— “Your hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets.” For, the press forms opinions, shapes movements and controls policies through well-informed criticism.
The most powerful autocrat is forced to take note of public opinion as reflected in a free press. That is why a regimented press is the instrument of autocracy, and a dictator deprives the press of its freedom.
A free press is the symbol of a free people. An independent, well-informed press is a powerful check on arbitrary governments and irresponsible administrators. For newspapers are agents of the public, which bring to the notice of the people acts of injustice or oppression, or mal-administration that would otherwise have remained hidden away from public knowledge. They augur misgovernment at a distance and sniff the approach of tyranny in every tainted breeze’ (Burke). They exercise a constant vigilance on the rulers, which is salutary for all.
Nowadays it is difficult for the press to be free. Either a newspaper is controlled by some financial magnates entirely and it has to voice their views or it is the mouthpiece of a party, and it must think as the party might direct; or it is under the thumb of the government and in that case its usefulness is reduced and independence compromised.
For whoever controls it, necessarily limits its freedom by his own interests, i.e. calls the tune. In America, the great newspapers are in the bands of powerful financial syndicates; in England, they are in the hands of capitalists; in Russia they are mostly controlled by the government. But freedom of the press in each case depends on the way it reflects the will, the purpose of the people as a whole, in preference to that of any class or community or individual.
The illusory or unrealistic character of the freedom of the press was seen during Great War. It is in such times of crisis that the voice of the people should be most clearly heard and not muffled. Yet it is then that newspapers are completely gagged. Most of these abuses might be checked to the advantage of all concerned, if the newspapers have freedom to criticise authorities and ventilate grievances. Indeed, no government can stifle the voice of the people but at its own peril.
The problem, therefore, is—how to ensure freedom of the newspaper. Legislation, of course, should guarantee the press against interference by the government; this goes without saying- But something more is necessary. The press under no circumstances should be forced to disclose the source of information or will be subservient to the government.
But enjoins enjoys a corresponding duty on the part of the Press—that it should maintain strictly honest journalism and should not give any garbled report or prejudicial account. Independent-minded editors should have the right to ft free expression of opinions and unhampered publication of news, subject only to the limitation that they do not publish abuse and keep within the bounds of decorum.
But real freedom of the press can exist only where a free people can function freely as in true democracy. It may be asked, why do we say there is no freedom of the press in England or America or India. The reason is that in these countries, the common people are in economic bondage. Governments are ruled by the power of money and the press is controlled by owners in the interests of Big Business.
In is, therefore, rightly claimed that in a Socialist country as the people become economically free, the government acquires an increasingly representative character. The journalists then can write freely and fearlessly. The best way to ensure freedom of the press is to publish all news from accredited sources, to allow free ventilation of opinion, to do away with all controls except in the interest of public safety or welfare.
Freedom of the press should be a valued privilege and has to be safeguarded. It is a sacred right, which should be zealously promoted. Governments owe it to themselves to guarantee it from all arbitrary interference. Editors owe it to the public to maintain an honest and fearless attitude in favour of the people, against party or class interests. And the people owe it to their country to demand and defend such freedom as a priceless heritage.
Freedom of the press. Speak on freedom of the press, its basic principles and criteria and its status in major countries.
The topic presented to you today is devoted to the problem of the freedom of the press. In my speech I am to dwell upon the following points:
– Firstly, I am to give the definition of freedom of the press;
– Secondly, I would like to speak about what restricts this freedom nowadays;
– Finally, I am to draw a conclusion expressing my opinion.
By way of introduction I would like to give the definition of freedom of the press. Freedom of the press is the freedom of communication and expression through vehicles including various electronic media and published materials. While such freedom mostly implies the absence of interference from an overreaching state, its preservation may be sought through constitutional or other legal protections.
Speaking about current state of freedom of the press, I should say that it
is one of the central problems of mass media and of democratic society on the whole. To have a democratic society means to have a viral healthy journalism – objective, honest, incorruptible. At the same time government is not ready to have that kind of democracy, in which press is allowed to tell the truth about everything including government itself. As a result of this controversy democracy and freedom of the press both come under question.
However, not only government restricts journalism. News giants also establish their own codes and rules. In fact, they find it much better business holding their news division to a fierce accounting than giving journalists autonomy in their professional decisions since “right” news is much more profitable. Therefore modern newspapers and TV programs are full of trivial news such as celebrity gossip or numerous scandals, which are high on sensationalism but low on information. As a result, the current state of freedom of the press is questionable.
The situation is the same in the majority of countries; the very idea of freedom of the press seems to remain utopian until the standards of democratic society are reached. Thus up to this point journalists do not cope with performing their main function of telling credible news.
In conclusion I would like to say that freedom of the press should be properly protected by law in the first place, which will allow no corruption or bias in mass media. Secondly, there should be an organization which responsibility is to check information for its credibility. And finally journalists should be encouraged to tell the truth, their revealing independent reports and investigations should be rewarded by professionals and public.
Freedom of the Press
Freedom of the press. Speak on freedom of the press, its basic principles and criteria and its status in major countries.
The topic presented to you today is devoted to the problem of the freedom of the press. In my speech I am to dwell upon the following points:
— Firstly, I am to give the definition of freedom of the press;
— Secondly, I would like to speak about what restricts this freedom nowadays;
— Finally, I am to draw a conclusion expressing my opinion.
By way of introduction I would like to give the definition of freedom of the press. Freedom of the press is the freedom of communication and expression through vehicles including various electronic media and published materials. While such freedom mostly implies the absence of interference from an overreaching state, its preservation may be sought through constitutional or other legal protections.
Speaking about current state of freedom of the press, I should say that it is one of the central problems of mass media and of democratic society on the whole. To have a democratic society means to have a viral healthy journalism – objective, honest, incorruptible. At the same time government is not ready to have that kind of democracy, in which press is allowed to tell the truth about everything including government itself. As a result of this controversy democracy and freedom of the press both come under question.
However, not only government restricts journalism. News giants also establish their own codes and rules. In fact, they find it much better business holding their news division to a fierce accounting than giving journalists autonomy in their professional decisions since «right» news is much more profitable. Therefore modern newspapers and TV programs are full of trivial news such as celebrity gossip or numerous scandals, which are high on sensationalism but low on information. As a result, the current state of freedom of the press is questionable.
The situation is the same in the majority of countries; the very idea of freedom of the press seems to remain utopian until the standards of democratic society are reached. Thus up to this point journalists do not cope with performing their main function of telling credible news.
In conclusion I would like to say that freedom of the press should be properly protected by law in the first place, which will allow no corruption or bias in mass media. Secondly, there should be an organization which responsibility is to check information for its credibility. And finally journalists should be encouraged to tell the truth, their revealing independent reports and investigations should be rewarded by professionals and public.
Топики по теме
- Getting a view of the whole world
- Internet
- Magazines
- Mass media
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Short essay on the Freedom of Press (free to read). Press is called the Fourth Estate of any democratic country meaning it is the fourth power of a country.
Even a dictator cannot neglect the power press has, since every political ideology demands propaganda and publicity which only press can provide.
Democracy demands much more than mere propaganda from press. In a democracy, press not only disseminates news and information but also analyses them critically, hence giving a whole panorama of any problem and its possible solutions. It does not remain a mouthpiece of the prevailing government but a staunch supporter of people’s cause.
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As the newspapers keep people informed about the government policies and incidents taking place all over the world, so does it inform the government of people’s problems, desires and grievance? Thus, press plays a dual role in the society.
Having such a great responsibility to fulfill, the press should have strong ideology. It must aim at truth and nothing else. False and superficial journalism only tarnishes the image of press. Rumours should always be avoided. But unfortunately, some newspapers take to yellow journalism for petty benefits. They publish “Tumours, vulgar and cooked-up reports just to enhance their sale. Some indulge in spreading sectarian and communal feelings. The press should always keep in mind its capability to fight against any social evil-otherwise press will become just another vulgar medium to be exploited by the political authorities.
The freedom of press is most important, if it has to take active part in struggle against the evils. If press becomes just a tool in the hands of the government then what else can it do except propagate and harp on the government’s policies. Unless the press itself enjoys freedom, how can it become the defender and supporter of the rights and liberties of the citizens?
But freedom of Press can be useful only when press is fully aware of its responsibilities and duties. Every freedom has its discipline and without this discipline which may be called ideology, no freedom can survive for long. Therefore, Press should always use its freedom for the interest of people and not just for monetary benefits.
| March 1, 2015 | Essay |
Introduction: Press includes print media i.e. newspapers and magazines . Freedom of press denotes an atmosphere in which media-professionals like journalists, reporters, correspondents, editors and columnists can work and publish what is true and fact without fear or any threat. Freedom of press is an important precondition of a democratic and free society. In most countries of the world, freedom of press is guaranteed by the constitution.
Meaning and scope: As an important means of public media, newspaper holds and exerts immense influence on people. Freedom of press means newspapers can print news and views without being censored or barred by any authority. When press enjoys freedom, it indicates that the press can publish news and opinions on any issues without facing any restrictions and prohibitions. But it does not mean that this freedom is absolute and arbitrary. Newspaper cannot publish whatever they wish, rather they should publish things that are constructive for the society or the country and should refrain from publishing any propaganda or biased news and any thing that can harm society or the state. So press must realize the meaning of the scope of its freedom, otherwise their power can turn into an instrument of great public harm and damage.
Necessity of freedom of press: Press is called the fourth pillar of a state. And newspapers are called people’s parliament. Newspapers and journals give us current picture of life, of things happening every moment. Today right to information is considered one of the fundamental rights of a civilized society and free flow of information is also vital for building a corruption free, accountable and transparent society. Newspapers or press serve people with providing information.Hence their freedom is necessary in order to keep people informed of the affairs
going around. Otherwise people remain in the dark and in that case, confusion, corruption and abuse of power hold firm in the society.
Obstacles to its freedom: Realizing the far reaching impact of freedom of press and now it can pose a big challenge to abuses of power, corruption and monopoly or vested interests of any group, power- holders, despotic government, dishonest politicians or businessmen deny press of its freedom and whenever press becomes threat to their narrow party or personal interest, they attempt to stop its voice.So, an undemocratic society, a despotic or tyrannical ruler, monopolized corporate,or dishonest politicians all create obstacles to freedom of press because they see
the freedom of press as destructive to their uninterrupted misdeeds and wickedness.
Ensuring freedom of press: Freedom of press is the emblem of a civilized and enlightened society. Only a true pro-people government can ensure freedom of press.However, there should be a monitoring body to ensure both the proper use of this freedom and also to see that this freedom is not misused. Press should be prevented from publishing baseless, false and yellow news. They cannot publish distorted and fictive news and cannot harm any person or institution by attacking them on an ill-motivated interest. So Govt. must ensure freedom of press at the same time its proper and positive use for the country and the countrymen.
Conclusion: A free press plays the role of a watchdog in society or country. Their influence is great, so their role is also immense. And that is why freedom of press is also necessary in order to know what is right, what is true and fair. Only a free press can ensure people’s access to information and help to build a well-informed, transparent and accountable society. Press, for its part, as a conscientious body of the society, should not misuse its freedom.