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News Media Censorship, A Philosophical Case

News Media Censorship,
A Philosophical Case

      Since the very beginning of using printing in the media, the freedom of the press has been at question. The quantity of what should be known to the public has been debated on a lot and still the controversy remains. However the First Amendment in the United States constitution states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” This seems quite clear that freedom of speech and of the press too, should be ultimate and unlimited. On the other hand, nowadays the press and media have reached very high power, in which their freedom has reached an extent where it can seriously cause harm to people or institutions if certain information is not kept classified. However, freedom is the main pillar that makes America the country it is today, according to this and that people have the right to know, responsible freedom of the press should be ultimate disregarding that some people may be harmed by it, unless it involves false information.

Firstly, regarding freedom of speech; the United States of America is known to be the “land of the free” and this is the main aspect where it differs from other countries. Also it is symbolized by the statue of liberty; this implies that freedom in America is a right, which includes freedom of opinion and freedom of speech, also including the press. Freedom of opinion is quite obvious as to why it is a right. This is basically because no one has the power over someone else’s thinking. People or governments as that matter can have some control over what certain people do or say, but under no condition can they have access to their thinking and change their opinions about something unless influenced in some way. As for freedom of speech, it is also a right....