Importance of a Free Press

BrunoBlack · #1 04-25-2018, 04:31 PM

While reading about how societies exchange information, I came across this ranking - https://rsf.org/en/ranking - and it made me think about the significance of having a free press. The USA places 45th in this ranking. North Korea places 180th. There are certainly invaluable benefits to having unrestricted access to information, but there are also associated costs that result from the abuse of that freedom. Is it possible for us to discuss this without involving politics?

buddyhu · #2 04-25-2018, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haasome

Is it possible for us to discuss this without involving politics?

Probably not.

. But anything is possible. We will see what happens.

I am often disheartened by the failure of some non-traditional news outlets to value truth and honesty...as if winning elections and dominating policy decisions is the most valuable thing in a democracy.

Kerbie · #3 04-25-2018, 05:11 PM

Paul, that is a fascinating list. I look forward to spending a little more time with it and particularly understanding how the list was created. Thanks. I hope we can avoid the political discussion... this thread will not have a long leash...

Mr. Jelly · #4 04-25-2018, 05:14 PM

I'm disheartened that the wealthy that own the news organizations elect to sell it as entertainment. And that it works.

fazool · #5 04-25-2018, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haasome

While reading about how societies exchange information, I came across this ranking - https://rsf.org/en/ranking - and it made me think about the significance of having a free press. The USA places 45th in this ranking. North Korea places 180th. There are certainly invaluable benefits to having unrestricted access to information, but there are also associated costs that result from the abuse of that freedom. Is it possible for us to discuss this without involving politics?

No. they are intertwined and not a good topic for AGF in my own (solo) opinion

Don't get me wrong - I am passionate in my beliefs, I just think this spells trouble for AGF conversations where we try to simply hang out and share nothing but a love for acoustic guitars.

Kerbie · #6 04-25-2018, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fazool

I just think this spells trouble for AGF conversations where we try to simply hang out and share nothing but a love for acoustic guitars.

Just for the record, we allow a LOT of conversation that is not about a love for acoustic guitars, although that remains our favorite topic.

fazool · #7 04-25-2018, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kerbie

Just for the record, we allow a LOT of conversation that is not about a love for acoustic guitars, although that remains our favorite topic.

Point taken and yes of course we discuss a lot of stuff, and nicely too.

Nyghthawk · #8 04-25-2018, 06:17 PM

The cornerstone of democracy rests on the foundation of an educated electorate.

Thomas Jefferson

IMHO a free press is necessary to be educated.

nitram · #9 04-25-2018, 06:22 PM

Free press is whatever you can buy,edit and present to the populace as a "gift."

Otterhound · #10 04-25-2018, 08:25 PM

And where is this place of unrestricted access to information ?

Wadcutter · #11 04-25-2018, 08:46 PM

“Let every writer tell his own lies. THAT’S freedom of the press.”
-Norman Mailer

islandguitar · #12 04-25-2018, 09:14 PM

I share your concern! And, this subject seems to take up a portion of my day....every day these days.

as the saying goes in my little small town: "We wouldn't want the truth to get in the way of a good story!"

But we're talking about the big stage here......vastly different and more concerning............

flaggerphil · #13 04-25-2018, 11:08 PM

I have some problems with that ranking and I'm not sure what the sources and criteria are...not that it makes any difference.

IMHO, you cannot have a free and democratic society without freedom of the press. Having been around the world quite a bit in my 67 years, I firmly believe that.

Mr. Jelly · #14 04-26-2018, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wadcutter

“Let every writer tell his own lies. THAT’S freedom of the press.”
-Norman Mailer

I love it! Thanks

Bob Womack · #15 04-26-2018, 05:10 AM

When the idea of the free press was hatched in the U.S. constitution it was largely in consideration of guerilla publications that were printed in basements, their publishers physically on the run from the British Army, their contents no more than incendiary opinion screeds meant to stir support for the revolution.

It seems to me that we've come full circle.

Bob