Freedom of the Media is the right to express and communicate through several media forms such as video and print, and it’s a fundamental human right. Freedom of the media has been an integral part of democracy for many years. People have the freedom to elect their representatives or choose their government in a democracy. They have the right to express themselves and to be informed about what goes on. These rights are implicitly linked to freedom of the press. A government shouldn’t interfere with freedom of the press or censor media critical of the state. A healthy democracy must have guiding principles such as citizen rule, fair elections, security of human rights and cooperation. A free press is essential to make these principles a reality. Three main reasons why the freedom of the media is important are as under.
1. A Free Media Uncovers The Truth
Having free media is really important as it is the media which fights for the truth and reveals it. Journalists are the people who have expertise and experience to understand and analyze issues, often the complex ones to reveal what’s actually going on. Without a free media reporting the news with blogs, newspapers and on TV, an average person wouldn’t be able to keep up with what’s actually happening around them and in the world. Because a majority of people don’t have the time or the resources to look themselves into the issues that affect their lives and those around them. That’s why they need media people to do it for them. The best journalists are able to use their skills of research and critical thinking and know how to find leads, what questions to ask and
and how to check facts. Without media, a common man won’t be able to make right decisions for him and for his nation and without enough freedom to investigate matters and then report them, media can’t function and the truth remains buried.
2. A Free Media Checks Accountability Of Those In Power
It is possible for many individuals and organisations to benefit from the truth being kept secret, even governments. A free media serves as a watchdog over governments and over those in power. It acts as a link between common people and those in power. A free media lets people know what these powerful entities should be doing and what they are actually doing. If the media is not independent but beholden or controlled by power, it will only serve as an extension of this power. Journalists who dare to speak truth when it harms the state and aren’t allowed to do so without freedom of expression are not protected by law. If the media is not independent but controlled by power, it will only serve to strengthen power. Journalists who dare to speak truth that harms the state can’t do so without freedom of expression as they are not protected by law. It is important to expose abuses of power, especially when it comes to corruption and violations of human rights and a freedom of media is vital for this to happen.
3. A Free Media Makes Democracy Stronger
The third reason freedom of the media is so important is informed voting. Democracies will only prosper if the public is as informed as they can. It is essential that people are informed about the issues that their community and the nation as a whole faces as only then they will be able to choose the correct leader for themselves. The media is the only source of such information. It analyzes information, encourages discussion, and checks facts. It would be very time consuming and difficult for voters if they try to garner all information on their own. A strong media can make the process simpler and provide insight they need to make right decisions. The freer the press is, the more informed the voters will be. In absence of such freedom, voters will be subject to exploitation by politicians and other power groups who want to pursue their own interests instead of national interests.
Ensuring Freedom Of Media
What is the best way to ensure the freedom and strength of the media? One of the most important things that can be done is to create laws protecting journalists. Many places have shield laws which provide journalists with the privilege to refuse to divulge the sources from which they acquired information. Laws like this protect both a journalist and his source of information. Individually, citizens can support the freedom of the media by keeping themselves informed about threats to media and support freedom of media in every manner they can. You can also support local newspapers to keep yourself informed and make sure that you are updated about the most relevant issues to your daily life. Freedom of the press is an important right and is something that all entities in society should care about and protect for the sake of democracy.