A large part of American society considers itself to be the bearer of freedom of expression. The first amendment is not only one of the most valued constitutional rights, but a characteristic of its own with which American culture is identified. Among the rights that the First Amendment protects is the right to freedom of expression. This principle supports the freedom of an individual or groups to express their ideas without fear of censorship or reprisal. But how does this principle include journalism? Journalistic work is one of the professions that require more effort and commitment to serve civil society and the state. Journalism is responsible for the right to reliable information considering the ethics and values of society. In journalism as in society, different norms can be found, among them the right to information and freedom of the press. These regulations imply that the press worker had the power to access information, with the purpose of disseminating it among the population. Unfortunately, on many occasions, people with different thoughts, especially political ones, have had to endure state repression. The idea that in the US, there has always been a broad right to express any opinion is not entirely true. But things have changed, many organizations like the Freedom Forum institute support the first amendment, recognizing it in general, but also giving guidelines and rules to fully understand the first amendment, and it also helps us, future journalists, to know and understand the rights and rules that we must fulfill in journalism. As journalists, it is important to know the national and international regulations on freedom of the press in the journalistic exercise. It is also important to point out the need for change in different sectors of society. Journalists are mediators between the facts and society, but it is essential that the state contributes and guarantees the journalistic exercise. In any case, it is about contributing through the media to the consolidation and strengthening of democracy, governability, the creation of public opinion, and social welfare. The audience has the right to be duly informed. For his part, the journalist must exercise his freedom of the press, accessing information of public interest, prioritizing the information that is related to public opinion.
This could be an interesting video that could help you better understand what freedom of expression is all about and its beginnings.
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