Should Journalists be given more freedom with what they write?

Question

Do you think the press would be improved if journalists had greater freedom to report and write what they wanted?

Answer 1

with freedom there come responsibilities and if journalists want the freedom of expression they must also realise their duty to the people. having freedom does not mean that you should write or report whatever you want. there is a very thin line between freedom of expression and misuse of this right. publishing caricatures was freedom for one and disrespect of prophethood for the other. you also need to consider the sensitivities of other nations, peoples, communities. journalists are supposed to inform not injure the people.

Answer 2

In the U.S., the only things the government restricts journalists from writing is things that would invade someone's privacy or libel/slander someone.

There are limits placed upon journalists by journalistic ethics as well as the particular publication/station they are with.

I think both are right and good, but I do think that journalists should be given a source/reporter privilege similar to client/lawyer privilege.

Answer 3

Hard to say. The only ones suppressing them are their editors, and the only reason they do is because they are trying to sell their product (the magazine, newspaper). And history has shown that Sex, scandal and violence sells. So that is what they push for. So increased freedom? not likely to happen. As long as the magazines and papers are selling they will be limited to what sells. A better question would be "Should journalists seek to find better stories?"

Answer 4

I think journalist are given sufficient freedom as for them to offer us true information.. what happens is that very often they write about gossip and scandals.. competence and seriousness is what they need...
of course, if we're speaking about journalist from dictatorial countries, the situation is different

Answer 5

Media freedoms should be equal to their responsibilities.

There is no such thing as accountability in the news media - and it shows when they knowingly use tainted sources because this gives a 'better story.'

Answer 6

.It's not up to the journo to report what they want in the newspapers.
The news mogul and editor screen the content prior to publications. Otherwise we could see photographs and stories with a macabre element, and litigation, if reporting was not factual.

Answer 7

They already have freedom, what they need is responsibility.

Answer 8

They have too much freedom.
I wartime they cannot be permitted to be critical of the president or American policy.