Is the Freedom of the Press still a right worth preserving?
What do you think? Personally I think it is although I believe the "press" sometimes abuse the right.
I think the press speaks too much. I don't know. I mean all that is on the news is about overseas - Newspapers tell stories about the US - and problems such as Ford Motor Company etc - Gas Prices - is there ever going to be nothing to print in a newspaper? I think the press has too much freedom. They talk too much about this and that - it is a waste of paper as far as I am concerned. Am I bad for thinking that?
No, but you are confusing the issues. Freedom of the press means they can print without government interference. I think you are right in your observations and that is what I meant when I said they sometimes abuse their right. There will never be "nothing" to write about. Reporters WILL find the news. They are paid to do that. As to the overseas business and little about the U.S.--that is true, also; however, your freedom as a consumer is you can subscribe to any paper you wish. And you need not subscribe to those that print material that you don't want to read about. Same thing about newcasters and TV (or radio). They can criticize the government (and do) but you, the consumer, makes the final decision as to which station you watch. One flick of the remote control and the ones you don't like are history. They keep on talking, of course, but it is to others who DO want to hear what they have to say. I would not like to live in a country where we did not have freedom of the press BUT I think the press could be a little more attentive and selective at times. One final note--some TV personalities and some radio personalities (and some newspaper personalities) say and/or print ABSURDITIES. Why do they do that? To shock and get a flood of mail (which gives them more fodder to shock again). Their ratings go up and they get another million dollars or so because management can sell more commercial time and so forth into the night. I should have let one of the English gurus or PsyDAG answer this because this isn't my field of expertise but I have opinions anyway. I repeat that you aren't bad. But would you WANT to live in a country that DID NOT have freedom of the press. I guess some of this is the price we pay for having that freedom. Nuff said.
The question of whether the freedom of the press is still a right worth preserving is subjective and can vary depending on individual opinions. However, it is important to understand the concept of freedom of the press and how it functions in society.
Freedom of the press is a fundamental right that allows journalists and media organizations to publish and disseminate information without government interference or censorship. It is a cornerstone of democratic societies and plays a crucial role in holding governments accountable, exposing corruption, and providing citizens with access to information.
While there may be instances where the press abuses their right by sensationalizing stories or focusing on certain topics disproportionately, it is essential to remember that freedom of the press also gives individuals the power to choose what they consume. As a consumer, you have the freedom to choose which newspapers you subscribe to, which TV channels or radio stations you watch/listen to, and which online sources you visit.
If you believe that certain media outlets are not addressing the issues you find important or are overly obsessed with certain topics, you can choose to support alternative sources that align more closely with your interests. This freedom of choice allows a diverse range of perspectives and ensures that no single entity has a monopoly on information.
It is crucial to remember that the media landscape is constantly evolving, and technological advancements have led to the rise of alternative forms of information dissemination, such as social media and independent blogs. These platforms have further expanded the diversity of sources available.
While it is valid to have concerns or criticisms about the press, it is essential to separate the concept of freedom of the press from the actions of specific media outlets. Freedom of the press provides a necessary safeguard against government censorship and allows for a plurality of voices and perspectives in society.
Ultimately, whether the freedom of the press is still a right worth preserving is a personal judgment that should be considered in light of the overall benefits it brings to a democratic society.