Free Press: History & Future

Presenter: Gina Baleria

Presenter Status: Faculty

Academic Year: 22-23

Semester: Spring

Department: Communication & Media Studies

Funding Source/Sponsor: RSCAP

President's Strategic Plan Goal: Diversity and Social Justice

Abstract:
The U.S. founders and early thinkers identified journalism as worthy of protection in what became the First Amendment. But the journalism of the 18th century looked very different from the journalism of today. What exactly was a free press in the U.S. at various points in its evolution, and how did voices outside the mainstream factor into the understanding of press in a given moment in time? In addition, what do we mean when we say “free” press - and how can we ensure that the news media balances the freedoms granted in the First Amendment with the responsibilities necessary to warrant such freedoms? This chapter will explore the meaning of a free press now and in various iterations of U.S. history. It will also explore how funding, audiences, politics, and social constructs played and continue to play a role in choices journalists and publishers make. In addition, this chapter will discuss how non-mainstream outlets, such as Black, Abolitionist, Femenist, Latino/a, and Asian news media were received in various historical moments, as well as how these outlets and journalists contributed to the news landscape. Finally, this chapter will look forward, focusing on how we can learn from our history, clarify what we want and need from a free press, and envision and imagine how we can support and cultivate a news media that is empowered and able to attain the ideals articulated when discussing a free press.