What does freedom of press mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

The freedom of the press, also known as media freedom, is the legal and social concept that ensures that journalists and media outlets have the right to gather, analyze, and disseminate information to the public without government interference or censorship.

Examples

• The newspaper published an exposé on government corruption, exercising its freedom of the press.
• The journalist interviewed the prime minister, highlighting his transparency on the issue.

Synonyms

• Freedom of speech
• Press freedom

Antonyms

• Censorship
• Government control

Additional Information

Freedom of the press is essential for a healthy democracy, as it allows the public to stay informed and hold those in power accountable. This right is protected by international law, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and is considered a cornerstone of a free society. Despite its importance, freedom of the press is often threatened by governments, corporations, and other powerful interests seeking to suppress information and maintain control.

Etymology

The concept of freedom of the press has its roots in the Enlightenment era, when thinkers such as John Milton and Voltaire emphasized the importance of a free press in promoting truth and democracy.

Usage Notes

Freedom of the press is often used in the context of journalism and media, but it can also be applied to other forms of expression, such as literature, art, and music.

Cultural References

The concept of freedom of the press has been explored in various films, books, and documentaries, including “The Post,” “All the President’s Men,” and “The New York Times vs. Sullivan.”

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“A free press is the cornerstone of democracy.”

Related Words or Phrases

• First Amendment
• Media freedom
• Journalistic integrity

Collocations

• Freedom of the press and freedom of speech
• Freedom of the press vs. government control

Frequency of Use

Freedom of the press is a term commonly used in academic, professional, and political contexts, especially in discussion of media, politics, and social justice.

Common Misspellings

• Freeman of the press
• Freedom of the perss