Why is Freedom of the Press Essential to Democracy

By Ajesse2
  • 1440

    The Invention of the Printing Press by Johannes Gutenberg

    The Invention of the Printing Press by Johannes Gutenberg
    The printing press is important because it was used to print books and newspapers quickly and allowed new ideas to spread.
    Watch this video of a Printing Press in action https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLctAw4JZXE

  • Bill of Rights was Created

    Bill of Rights was Created
    The Bill of Rights is extremely important for Americans because it ensures that fundamental freedoms and rights are protected.
    Most important to the unit is Freedom of the Press.
    It allows journalists to publish without being punished.

  • The New York Times publishes its first issue

    The New York Times publishes its first issue
    This event marks an important piece to journalism because it is a model for modern-day journalism where it covers major events and shapes public discourse.

  • KDKA Radio Broadcast of Presidential Election Results

    KDKA Radio Broadcast of Presidential Election Results
    The early 1920s marks the beginning of the "Golden Age of Radio," which means radio was the primary source of news and entertainment for Americans during this time.

  • Franklin D. Roosevelt becomes first president to appear on television

    Franklin D. Roosevelt becomes first president to appear on television
    Freedom of the Press means the press is no longer the newspaper, but it is also Television and Radio

  • Time magazine published its cover story on MLK

    Time magazine published its cover story on MLK
    Martin Luther King Jr. believed in a robust democracy and saw it as an "act" requiring constant effort and participation...
    This marks the beginning of change because the magazine pushes the idea of democracy as for the people.

  • Branzburg v. Hayes

    Branzburg v. Hayes
    This was a court case where the Supreme Court ruled that the First Amendment does not grant reporters a privilege to refuse to testify before a grand jury about confidential information.
    AKA: All USA Citizens have an obligation to respond to the grand jury when relevant to a criminal investigation, even if the information is confidential.

  • The internet is developed

    The internet is developed
    This marks the beginning of the internet which will lead to the creation of news websites and social media news posts.

  • Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is Created

    Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is Created
    The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is an organization that documents threats to journalists and press freedom worldwide. They provide statistics on killings, imprisonment, and impunity cases for journalists across the globe.

  • Twitter is launched

    Twitter is launched
    Despite other Social Media Platforms existing prior to this, Twitter marks the concept of microblogging.