Freedom of the press
What does that mean, really?
If it's assumed that the press is a private entity owned by stakeholders, with the purpose of making a profit, and perhaps to push a false narrative to that end, then why should the press have this "freedom" everyone talks about?
If they were a public service who's function was to inform in a non-partisan manner , then perhaps. That isn't what they do though.
every country should have at least 1 public funded ie tax funded news station with its reason for being = inform the public.
Just like every for profit company reports to its shareholders.
There shoulld be at least 1 free to air tv station so anyone in the country who can receive tv images on any device can be served by it.
There should be at least 1 fm / am / long wave / short wave radio broadcast channel
This can be very helpful in times of natural disasters.
There should also be online digital radio broadcasts where people can listen again to previously aired material.
And there should be 1 government newspaper which competes directly with newspapers owned by private individuals / privileged elites / etc
All these government channels should carry advertising so they draw less on tax dollars.
Some of the things these stations and publications can do is publish verbatim debates on general everyday policy
and in election times
provide free and equal national coverage to all political parties
Most people actually watch and listen to government programming for its strong entertainment value.
The publicly funded bbc for example is responsible for a ridiculous amount of five star entertainment.
People everywhere in the world are now paying for and buying into Dr Who.
Their Programme Top Gear - For years they had the most entertaining Car Sbow World Wide
Their excellent wide ranging sports coverage.
Re: Freedom of the press
Originally posted by cdtm
If they were a public service who's function was to inform in a non-partisan manner , then perhaps. That isn't what they do though.
Bingo. They moan and groan about the importance of a free press, but rarely reflect on the importance of a press that is free of partisan propaganda.
I don't particularly agree with a decent amount of what's being posted here.
Freedom of the press isn't about endorsement of the quality of the press, just like free speech isn't about endorsing hate speech, it's about a principle of liberty to speak.
By that same token, criticizing certain parts of the press or calling them liars or fake news isn't "DESTROYING PRESS FREEDOM REEEEEEEEEEEEEEE"