Freedom of the press plays an important role in ensuring the public is informed, especially in a world that is constantly changing the way in which we consume and transmit information. In times of change or uncertainty, people often turn to the media for clarity, with the expectation that it will provide reliable information and help spread important messages quickly.

“We are a republic and choose our leaders,” government teacher Steven Rice said. “The value of freedom of the press rests with the media’s ability and obligation to hold the government and leaders accountable to the people.”

As the number of global conflicts continues to increase, so does the need for in-depth coverage. At the same time, we now have more platforms than ever to share and consume information, making it more important than ever to have trustworthy and reliable access to information.

This issue is especially relevant for young people, who often turn to familiar platforms to raise awareness, hold governments accountable and initiate change. Having instant access to information impacts the way in which we consume information, especially the amount of attention it receives across the world.

However, in many countries, governments use censorship as a tool to control the narrative and discourage individuals from exercising their right to freedom of the press and freedom of speech.

“As an American, of course I’m going to say that such behavior is unjustified. From a human rights perspective, it does raise concerns. To live in a repressive state, however, it would be unnerving to criticize or question the state. I enjoy being alive,” Rice said.

While media regulations differ around the world, censorship often results in biased reporting and misinformation, resulting in a loss of trust in the media. When freedom of the press is restricted, it creates a one-sided narrative and division among people. This is especially evident in regions in which freedom of the press is more heavily monitored or restricted.

“The press and media are expected to be truthful,” Rice said. “Sure, they can lie, but there are restrictions in the forms of slander and defamation [laws]. Basically, if they screw up, they can be sued. This is why, in print media, we will from time to time see the media own up to mistakes or misrepresentations in order to set the story straight. That said, more modern platforms don’t appear to be subjected to the same scrutiny.”

In a world that is constantly changing the way in which we consume information, especially the way in which the media portrays important subjects, a free press is essential to ensure that the public can continue to have reliable access to information and stay informed.