Question

Short essay on the Freedom of Press

Answer 1

The most important ingredient of democracy is the existence of free and fearless press. In a democracy, the press must enjoy complete freedom and should not be subjected to any restriction. The voice of the press is the voice of the people. Censoring the press means the suppression of people’s voice. So the very survival of democracy inevitably depends on the freedom of the press. But at the same time, the press must not fail to follow its code of conduct and misuse the freedom.

The press plays a very positive and constructive role in a democracy. It keeps the people informed of the national and international news and happenings. It brings to the notice of people the programmes, policies and activities of the government. Similarly, it keeps the Government in the know of the people’s problems, difficulties, hopes and aspirations. Thus the press plays a dual role. It serves as a bridge between the Government on the one hand and the people on the other.

Of course, the role of the press cannot be minimised even in a dictatorship, because a dictator also needs the press for reflecting his ideology and policies. A dictator uses the press to prop up his image by highlighting his achievements. But in this case the press gives very little feedback to the dictator.

Answer 2

Answer:

Freedom of the press is the right to circulate opinions in print without censorship by the government or pressure from any individual or group. Freedom of the press is the freedom from external intimidation or coercion to publish or not to publish a thing. The printer or publisher exclusive control over what the publisher chooses to publish, including the right to refuse to print anything for any reason. A free press ensures that only genuine information are communicated to the general public.

Freedom of the press is the principle that communication and expression through various media, including printed and electronic media, especially published materials, should be considered a right to be exercised freely. The freedom of the press is incorporated in the right of freedom of speech and freedom of expression.

In recent years we have seen that the publishers of newspapers are forced with dire consequences to publish something even though it is not in the interest of the public in general and the publisher doesn't approve of it.

One major negative thing of our newspapers, TV channels and electronic news media is that they are becoming more and more biased by supporting one particular political party and reporting news against the other parties. This is a disgrace to the true spirit of journalism. Such news media must not be allowed to function. It has the potential to create enmity between different groups. The public can also play a major role by boycotting such biased newspapers and TV channels.