Today, as we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, I don’t believe there has ever been a time when trusted local journalism and a free press were more critical to our democracy.
As misinformation and disinformation runs rampant online, there are broadcast journalists in every corner of our nation who are seeking the truth and bringing to light the important news Americans depend upon.
From our country’s beginning, the right of the press to challenge the government, root out corruption and speak freely without fear of recrimination has been central to our democracy. America’s Founding Fathers understood that our democracy could not survive without the freedom to report the news without fear or favor. The times may have changed; that principle has not.
Through accurate newsgathering and reporting, broadcast journalists risk their lives to keep the public informed and shine light on the many challenges our nation faces. Our most-trusted sources of news – our local radio and TV stations – have shown how essential a free press is to keeping people informed.
Broadcasters are there every day to cover the most important stories affecting our communities, nation and world, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the war in Ukraine, with the local, personal connection that their audiences rely on.
Throughout our nation’s history, America’s free press has been entrusted with the awesome responsibility of educating voters, examining the issues, promoting civil debate and holding our public officials accountable. These responsibilities are more important now than ever.
Currently, Congress is considering legislation to preserve local journalism at a time when the overwhelming market power of big tech companies threatens the viability of local news outlets. Broadcasters urge Congress to pass the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act, which would allow local news outlets to negotiate for fair compensation from the Big Tech platforms for use of their original content. The price of doing nothing is far too great.
When our Founding Fathers drafted the First Amendment, they likely could not envision the challenges our nation faces today. Yet, by enshrining the right to a free press in the bedrock of our nation, they showed their faith that journalism was necessary to our democracy’s survival even in the toughest of times. That is worth celebrating.
For more information about broadcasters’ work in your community, visit WeAreBroadcasters.com.
