Freedom of the press or freedom of the media is thefundamental principle that communication and expression through various media,including printed and electronic media, especially published materials, shouldbe considered a right to be exercised freely. Such freedom implies no orminimal censorship or prior restraint from government, and is often protectedby laws or a provision in a constitution. The concept of freedom of speech isoften covered by the same laws as freedom of the press, thereby giving equaltreatment to spoken and published expression; many countries also protectscientific freedom.
Government restrictions on freedom of the press mayinclude classified information, state secrets, punishment for libel, punishmentfor violation of copyright, privacy, or judicial orders. Where freedom of thepress is lacking, governments may require pre-publication approval, or punishdistribution of documents critical of the government or certain politicalperspectives. Jurisdictions with high levels of transparency are subject to“sunshine laws” or freedom of information legislation that allow citizens broadaccess to government-held information.
Freedom of the press was formally established inGreat Britain with the lapse of the Licensing of the Press Act in 1695. Swedenwas the first country in the world to adopt a legally protected freedom of thepress with the Freedom of the Press Act of 1766, although it did not becomeinscribed in the constitution due to opposition from the nobility.
Editorial independence:
refers to the freedom of journalists and mediaorganizations to make content decisions - such as what to report, how to reportit, and when to report it - without external influence from owners,governments, advertisers, or other outside forces. It is a sacrosanct principlefor independent media organizations.
Countries that want to foster an independent mediaecosystem and protect editorial independence often pursue laws againstconcentration of media ownership and provide subsidies for independent media.
INDIAN VOICES is honored to be blessed with the opportunity to create journalism on the sacred land ofthe Great Kumeyaay Nation.
The deafeningsounds and the blinding sights of the 14th Annual Whistleblowers Summit andFilm Festival.
