Press Freedom and Responsibility

This chapter proceeds from an American point of view, though many of the issues apply to democratic systems more broadly. First, it explores what democracy needs from the press, what the press requires to meet those needs, and whether, in the United States, the press and democracy are getting what they need. Next, it focuses on the kinds of moral obligations the press might have, given the essential democratic role it plays and the freedom it has to do so. Finally, it considers the future of press freedom and responsibilities in the face of old constraints and new technological realities.