Is a free press an essential ingredient of any true democracy?
Rarely, if ever, has there been a truly free press, but similarly there has rarely , if ever, been a true democracy. True democracy and a free press then, are ideals which I firmly believe we should aspire to. The free press has always been traditionally viewed as a Western institution and in current times, threatening to supposedly undercut Easter values. This is, however, not confined to the East with countries all over the world at odds against the uses and consequences of a free press. To me, the free press is at the heart of any true democracy the very core of democracy is about people choosing, or rather, having the right to choose. Informed decisions can only be made when people know the issues, debates, facts and even the tiniest details involved in any situation, and these require the existence of a free press that accurately reflects the political, cultural, social and economic state of a nation.
The basis upon which the free press is built is to inform the masses. Essentially, anything can be reported on, from the horrific and gruesome details of genocide, to the trivial and mundane routines of people-of-interest (ranging from politicians to even celebrities). Arguably the greatest responsibility of the press to inform, with it even being enshrined in the Constitution. Countries less inclined towards democracy speak of the destabilizing and destructive effect the free press has, but histories are incessantly dug up and their dirty laundry aired in public. The slightest blemish in their under unbearable scrutiny. The same applies to government policies or decisions as they too are the purpose of the free press. The plethora of information disseminated through the press is for the people to know, and make choices. We expect our leaders to be of firm moral character and sound judgement, which is why skeletons in their closets should be revealed. Governmental policies too are fair game...