Crackdown an affront to democracy - Protecting a free press

A VIBRANT, independent, and trustworthy press is like anything else we take for granted, until it’s gone. 

Even at a moment of relentless growth in social media and citizen journalism, the traditional press, on whichever platform it operates, still plays a pretty important role in most liberal democracies. That role is even more important but far more dangerous under less tolerant regimes.

The credibility of the press is essential, without that primary quality it is only so much hot air. The ever-more challenging balancing act between commercial viability — or survival — and comprehensive, well-resourced journalism is pressing too. Another reality is the growing indifference the world’s demagogues show to the idea of the freedom of the press, which is nothing more than formalised, organised free speech. A free press is seen as, and is, a threat to those who abuse it as soon as they assume power.