Freedom of Press
Introduction:
In
a democratic society, the press which is identified as a newspaper holds immense power. Its influence over
state affairs is so great that it is sometimes called the fourth state. An
independent well-informed press is a powerful check on arbitrary governments
and irresponsible administrations. For newspapers are agents of publicity which
bring to the people acts of injustice or oppression or maladministration that
would otherwise have remained hidden away from public notice.
Why
is its freedom necessary: Newspapers and journals make a very good
contribution to the nation and the land so that they may function quite
effectively and efficiently. Hence they deserve the freedom to highlight the facts and events impartially. A
democratic country cannot run without ensuring freedom of the press. As we see society through the eyes of journalists, we are baffled to see how the
inner happenings of society are brought to light with necessary measures.
Obstacles
to its freedom: Nowadays, it is difficult for the press to be free.
Either a newspaper is controlled by some financial managers and it has to voice
its views, or it is the mouthpiece of the party and it must think as the party
might direct, or it is under the thumbs of the government and in that case, its
usefulness is reduced. For whoever controls it necessarily limits her freedom
to his own needs and requirements. In America, the great newspapers are in the
hands of powerful financial syndicates; in England, they are in the hands of
capitalists; in Russia, they are in the hands of the government. Of course, it is
maintained for some reason that a people’s government has a greater right to
control a newspaper than a private individual or organization. But freedom of
the press in each depends on the way it reflects the will and purpose of the
people as a whole.
How
the press can be free: It is a burning issue how freedom of the press can
be ensured. Legislation should guarantee the press against
interference by the government. This goes without saying that the press should
come up more with a focusing look on the matter of interest, independent-minded
editors should have the right to a free expression of opinions and unhampered
publications of news – subject only to the limitation that they do not publish
abuse. But real freedom of the press is to be ensured by exercising authentic
democratic rights and economic emancipation. If the people are guaranteed
freedom from want – from the fear of unemployment – they can be fearless
critics of administrative misdeeds.
Conclusion:
Freedom
of the press is an essence of human declamation right. It is a sacred right
that should be guarded and protected. Government should own the obligatory
maintenance of the security and financial patronage to the press authority.
Editors should give priority to the public interest and constructive
development of a mass opinion of national interest.
