by Sam Miller

Created on: December 14, 2010   Last Updated: December 15, 2010

The issue of the media and freedom of speech has recently come under the public eye following wikileaks founder Julian Assange's disclosures over the Internet of confidential documents covered by State's official secrecy Act.

To understand the concept of Press Freedom, it is necessary to have a background on Press Freedom in some countries around the world. The media in countries such as the UK and the US enjoy a somewhat liberal press. This freedom of expression is guaranteed in the constitutions. It is a right which most countries in the west enjoy and the Press in these countries are quite vibrant in their pursuit of Press Freedom. However, when it comes to the former Communist regimes in Eastern Europe, and the Communist regimes the Press is not free. For examples in China, North Korea, Cuba and former Soviet Republic, many journalist have been imprisoned, assassinated or even murdered by the State. The murder of the famous Russian investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya known for her criticism of the Kremlin over the war in Chechyna is a good example of State coercion of the Press in Russian. The Press has never been free in these countries.

The media in a sovereign State should be free which is guaranteed under the constitution and any attempt to gag or curtail the media will lead to a dictatorship. It is one of the fundamental freedoms that are guaranteed in a sovereign State that the citizens must have a voice and be able to criticize their Government when it is nor offering good and purposeful leadership.  For that reason the Press is regarded as the 4th estate of the realm and the watchdog of the people. Any attempt to curtail its freedom is a dangerous signal that could bring to power a totalitarian State or regime.

The freedom of information Act in operation in some countries gives right to the media to obtain information from any source and be able to disclose such information without getting into trouble with the State. The opposition political parties are to complement the efforts of the media in a democracy to ensure that policies of the Government are well implemented. They are to also serve as a check on the ruling Party, the same role the media is expected to play.  

The media both the electronic and print are not free to broadcast or publish  whatever suits them in the media. The laws of the country in which they operate must be respected. The media is subject to those laws; for example there is a law against defamation. There is also a responsibility placed on  media practitioners either as journalists, or radio and TV reporters to report responsibly by cross-checking their facts before dissemination. Its only when the Media reports in a responsible manner that the Media can thrive and the freedom of speech enjoyed in a true democracy.

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