FREE PRESS

Introduction
In any democratic system the people have the freedom to enjoy their fundamental human
rights among which , freedom of expression and access to information. The concept of
freedom of speech is often covered by same law as freedom of the press thereby giving equal
treatment to spoken and publish expression. The word ‘Press’ is used to refer to both
print(newspaper and magazines) and electronic media where they may or no means of
communication in today’s world.
The word press can be seen as the act of collecting information and distributing it to a large
audience by both print and electronic media. People who work in the press are known as
journalists. In Nigeria, the press is not allowed to collect information both during the civil and
military regime. The situation was worse during the military era which negatively affected
democratic culture in the country in order to give press men free hand in discharging their
duties, the National Assembly passed the Freedom of Information act (FOI ). Since the
passing of the FOI bill, press freedom is being observed.
Definition
Free Press can be defined as the situation or condition which media organization can perform
their function of Informing, educating, entertaining and scrutinizing government activities
without indue censorship for the purpose of good government in a democracy.
Freedom of the press is best obtained when the judiciary is free and citizens are educated to
know their rights.
Importance of Freedom of Press
1. The press strengthens the democratic progress.
2. It does not vow for unhealthy censorship by the government.
3. Free Press educate the public on local national and international issues.
4. It allows the people to enlightened and mobilized through the media.
5. Free press allows the people to have access to information.
6. A free press helps to protect citizens against abuse of powers and oppression of the
weak by the powerful individuals.
Advantages of Free Press
1. Transparency
Free Press Free Press guarantees transparency in public office when the office
is privately owned or owned by the government. Since public office holders
knows that the press has legal access to information on their activities as in
office, they try as much as they can to be prudent and accountable in managing
the resources advocated to their office.
2. Democracy and Rule of Law
Free Press promotes the practice of democracy and observance of rule of law
in a state. This is because free press is A basic requirement for the environment
 and practice of democracy and rule of law everywhere in the world. So, any
state that allows Free Press can be said to promote rule of law and democracy.
3. Protection of Journalists
Free Press also provides a kind of legal protection for journalists in the
discharge of their duties.
Problems of the press
1. Corruption
2. Molestation from bad
Government.
3. Unavailability of rightful
Information.