Freedom of the Press Research Paper
Kristine Najar
Columbia Southern University

Freedom of the press is the right to publish newspapers, magazines, and other printed matter without governmental restriction and subject only to the laws of libel, obscenity, sedition, etc. (Dictionary.com, 2013). Freedom of the press gives the right to circulate opinions in print or on broadcasted radio and television, without censorship by the government. Americans enjoy freedom of the press under the First Amendment to the Constitution. Though we have this right as Americans, we should not abuse it. This paper is an analysis of the problem that we face in our current society in America. I will discuss the history of Freedom of the Press, along with the abuse that we face today from politics to social media.
In the United States we pride ourselves on the rights we have. We are the freest country in the world, but with that comes a huge responsibility. Many Americans abuse the free rights others worked so hard to accomplish. Freedom of the Press is just one of those hard-earned rights. Back in the early 18th century, there was a time when newspapers just printed material that was similar to books, pamphlets, and posters. Most of the information in the newspaper from the colonies was reprints of other publications, stories of local interest, literature, advertisements, and opinions (Illinois Press Association Guide to First Amendment and Illinois Access Laws, 1995) Then, the Stamp Act of 1756 came about and the printers of those colonial newspapers became publishers.
During the American Revolution many historic newspapermen became known for their support of independence and revolution from the British Empire. These newspapermen expressed their strong feelings in their writings. This caused the citizens to want more information on what was taking place among the colonies and Britain. Thus beginning the press’ role with the government.
After the American Revolution, the newspaper industry became more involved in the newly formed government, reporting on the financial difficulties created by the worthless American currency and argued against new stamp taxes (Illinois Press Association Guide to First Amendment and Illinois Access Laws, 1995). These newspapermen paved the way for journalist today. They brought about the need and desire to know what the government was doing. The constitution’s framers provide the press with broad freedom. Broad freedom became necessary in establishing a strong, independent press that was called “the fourth branch” of the government (Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Press, n.d.).
Freedom of the Press’ development is essential to our current society’s well being. However, freedom of the press sometimes collide with other rights, too. For example, a defendant’s right to a fair trail or a citizen’s right to privacy. These are just two examples of how freedom of the press can negatively affect individuals in the workplace environment. Journalists have the freedom to drag someone’s name in the mud, thus affecting their job. If a co-worker is involved in something illegal or unethical, leave it to the press to get wind of it and splatter it all over the media. When this occurs, the individual that did wrong will not be able to ever have a normal life again. This is a problem not only for the employee, but also for the organization they are affiliated with. I do believe freedom of the press is essential in the United States. However, sometimes it can be a nuisance and cause more harm than good.
In recent years, there has been an increase in aggressive journalism. The stories that are run through the media today include people’s sexual lives and photographs of people when they are in a private setting. Where does it stop? There seems to be no privacy going on within our society anymore. Especially in Hollywood where it is becoming insane with journalist trying to get the latest scoop on actors, good or bad. Everyone wants to always be in the know about what celebrities are doing. We seem to thirst for this type of information in the Unites States. It has become an obsession for many that want to know the ins and outs of their favorite celebrity. Anywhere from what they ate, to whom they are dating at that particular moment. Since the American public thrives on such information, the journalist will continue to provide it to them in magazines and television at whatever cost.
In the end, even though we have the right to Freedom of the Press doesn’t meant that we should abuse what others worked so hard to achieve. For over 250 years, American’s have been improving on the fact that when news becomes relevant, they print it. Over the last few decades we have stopped reporting actual facts, but started reporting more smut material. I think that if we, as American’s decide not to watch, read, or buy this obsessive material, then maybe it would start to go away. At least that is wishful thinking on my part. I believe with every liberty comes responsibility. It is up to us to make a change and demand journalist to report on the important issues. Ultimately, each American is responsible for themself, but just because we are free doesn’t mean that we should mishandle our freedoms. Even freedom of the press!

References
Dictionary.com. (2013). Freedom of the press. Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/freedom+of+the+press Illinois First Amendment Center. (1995). Freedom of the press history. Retrieved
Fromhttp://www.illinoisfirstamendmentcenter.com/freedom_press_history.php
Lincoln Education. (n.d.). Freedom of speech and freedom of the press. Retrieved from http://www.lincoln.edu/criminaljustice/hr/Speech.htm