Freedom of the Press

Essay
A free press can, of course, be good or bad, but, most certainly, without freedom it will never be anything but bad. (Albert Camus)

It goes without saying that the press plays an extremely important role in our life. Nowadays many people believe that freedom of the media is an essential part of the modern society and the press should not be controlled at all. However, others suppose that censorship is a necessary evil which helps to prevent us from threats to human rights. First of all, opponents of censorship claim the governments not always act in the best interests of citizens. Oppressing the newspapers and journals they will be able to provide people with false information and shape public opinion on different issues in accordance with political purposes. In this case censorship may be used as an instrument of manipulation, repression and terror which is unacceptable. In addition to this, many people think that they are mature and educated enough to decide what they want to read and to deny the offending material which may be published. By blocking any type of materials, even if it is an inaccurate newspaper, governments hamper to realize the potential of individuals for self-regulation and deprive people of their freedom of speech and constitutional rights. However, some people consider that freedom of the press may cause some negative consequences. For instance, the society will not be protected against violent and pornographic material, articles which may propagandize racism or immoral lifestyle. Besides, without any censorship some secret information may be opened to public scrutiny and foreign intelligencers w