How much freedom should the media have?

Is it possible in this environment to have real freedom of the media? Are there instances when what journalists say should be controlled? Would you defend their work if it leads to unpleasant debates or social unrest?

How much freedom should the media have?
Freedom of the media is tantamount to ensure democratic process is pursued and questioned where necessary. I don't believe we have that in the media in Britain unfortunately which is why sites like this are so important. I've learnt a lot from other users on here (yourself included) that just doesn't get reported for whatever reason so it's important to take anything you read in the press with a pinch of salt.





You have to take the view that all newspapers are, by and large, partisan in their reporting depending on who owns the paper. Only this morning on the Today programme it was reported that Tony Blair would be first in line to meet Rupert Murdoch any time he was in the UK, and then Gordon Brown would immediately request an audience with Murdoch himself so you can see how important it is for politicians to control the press, or rather how they use the press to further their own agenda.





Of course you also have to ask how much the influence of political advisers has curtailed the ability of newspapers to do the job we expect of them. Look at Alastair Campbell's threats to all and sundry when he was chief spin doctor to Blair, this was surely the most cynical manipulation of the media there has ever been and given the rise of spin doctors under the Labour administration, it is hard to know whether the words we are listening to are those of the politican themselves, or cleverly constructed soundbites aimed to create a smoke-screen. I think that is not acceptable as it inhibits our ability to judge a politican on his own agenda and, to my mind, has created a dystopia where politicans are no longer trusted, which is probably the whole point really as such actions has created mass apathy amongst those of voting age.





To end, I'd just like to say I would defend the work of honest journalists and the newspapers that print their work, and if it leads to unpleasant debates or social unrest, then so be it because the other option to those does not bear thinking about.





*Feel better now - good night's sleep*
Reply:Freedom is OK when the comments made by the press are positive and true. However, too often the media uses its power to exploit an alternative view of a situation and because of its privileged position we, the viewers and readers, are apt to believe that their position is correct when quite often the opposite is true. I honestly believe we should use our minds to come to our own conclusions. Since the beginning of this year I have been visiting a local gym and have had the opportunity to drink a cup of hot chocolate whilst reading various newspapers. I am able to read the Times, Telegraph, Express and Mail and it is amazing how many stories differ because of the perception of the writer.
Reply:Yes I'd defend their work especially if it led to social unrest, it would prove to me this population actually gives a rat's behind about what goes on in this country
Reply:"The Press" should have total freedom to inform the reader of what is going on, they are privy to so much more than Joe Public. Only in advertising, blatant bias or the pursuit or enhancement of criminal activity should they be silenced. Look back at history, Hitlers activities were suppressed by a biased press, the abdication of Edward due to his shenanigans was common knowledge to the press but withheld due to the political leanings of the press "Baron".When you let one media "mogul" determine what can and cannot be printed we have lost freedom of the press. Every publication in this country has political leanings or bias to one party or another, each expressing their view to further that parties cause. It is not about how much freedom the media has, but how partisan they are! I totally support the journalist who bucks this trend, who tells it like it is irrespective of his editor or the unrest it creates. That is the true meaning of journalism in my view. More power to the few that exist. Remember tho that "media" encompasses more than the press, and often has more sway, but that is another Q.
Reply:Not wise to curtail the freedom of the press. It is absolutely necessary to democracy. The only thing is I wish sometimes like in the Mccann case and Princess Diana's death that those reporters would behave in a civilised way and not like rats up a drainpipe. That doesn't do the image of the press any good and adds fuel to the fire for curtailment
Reply:the press should always be free just a shame the press has not been free in the USA for a while.
Reply:that's the whole point. if the truth leads to social unrest, maybe the social unrest is justified, lib or con. freedom of the press/speech is the most important right we have. it's worth dying for. jeez, sometimes "unpleasent debates" are needed in a democracy as is "social unrest" from a free and concerned populace.
Reply:"freedom of the press"





its been said that only those with a press have freedom.





the constitution does not provide for certain conditions or stipulations to the freedom of the press, therefore, there are none. a free press is necessary for a free country.
Reply:It is possible but unfortunately at our current downward spiral into dictatorship it's very unlikely to happen without a revolution. The only time someone shouldn’t be able to say something is if it's slanderous. I would die for any aspect of freedom that my country promises me.





If we all had broadcasting towers (or presses I suppose) then we would have true freedom of speech. In current times what we hear and see is propagated by The CNN's and ABC's that answer to the FCC..... freedom of speech. haha
Reply:If you're offended by any kind of media, then don't read or watch it. It's common sense.





The only thing they shouldn't divulge is CIA information. I guess that should teach our intelligence agencies to tighten up, though, if that happens...
Reply:I predict a riot. Of course there should be freedom of the press. They should be able to say what they wish. I'm sick and tired of this fascist goverment constantly trying to curtail what can and can't be said in the press.