|
The press has become a powerful force in shaping the opinions
and beliefs of modern man, just as barbers and tailors were once believed to
shape the people of the past. Today, newspapers and magazines have the ability
to influence a person's philosophy and outlook on the world, leading to the
press being called the "fourth estate." Arthur Miller aptly referred to
newspapers as the "mirror of the world" due to their ability to reflect on
current events and happenings.
While radio and other forms of media offer news updates hourly,
newspapers provide comprehensive coverage of a broad range of topics that cater
to the individual needs and tastes of their readers. A democratic society relies
on its citizens having access to a wide range of news and views, allowing them
to form independent opinions on important issues such as foreign policy. Only
through fair judgment can voters make informed decisions, avoiding being coerced
into adopting an official viewpoint.
More important than the news itself are the views expressed in
newspapers. Good newspapers not only report but also interpret, comment, and
criticize the events of the day. Some papers are so respected that they are
regarded as the Bible. Their "leaders" educate the public on vital issues and
present them in a nutshell, saving readers time and helping to shape their
opinions. A good newspaper might weigh the comparative merits of an election
candidate and help voters make informed decisions.
Governments often fear the power of the press, and given the
chance, they would like to control it. Banning orders are imposed, and certain
news is censored so that nothing detrimental to the government's existence is
allowed to go into print. Some governments have their own news agencies through
which the press can obtain information, as is common in dictatorial countries.
The control of the press is a matter of routine in non-democratic countries, but
in a democratic society, it should be avoided.
Political parties in some countries run their own newspapers,
such as the labor press and liberal press in England. In communist countries,
the party controls the press to ensure that only the party's views are
propagated. The idea behind this is obvious: each party wants to broadcast its
views through its paper.
While it may be desirable for the government to control the
press in times of emergency, it is not advisable in normal times. This would
stifle the liberal growth of ideas, and people would cease to grow. A free and
fearless press can expose individuals and groups when they err, chastise erring
officials, and criticize government actions or policies. It may suggest a line
of action and put forth proposals in schemes and projects of national
importance. In short, a free press can act as an accelerator or a brake.
As long as the press does not incite people to violence or write
libelous material, the freedom of the press must be cherished and nourished.
Just as free air is necessary for people to remain healthy, a free press is
equally important for a society to thrive. The press has become a fourth estate
in its own right, and its power and importance must not be underestimated. |
