The necessity of a press that is free from the influence of those in power is not a matter of preference, but a foundational requirement for a functioning society. When media and journalism become entangled with powerful interests, the very mechanism through which a public is informed is compromised.
The primary function of independent journalism is the provision of unpolished truth to the public. Power, by its nature, seeks to consolidate and preserve itself, often through the management of information. A press that is subordinate to that power becomes an instrument for the dissemination of curated narratives, propaganda and omission. Independence protects viewpoints.
A media landscape influenced by the power structure automatically narrows its field of vision. The range of stories gets smaller. Stories that challenge the system, speak for the powerless or question big business and politics are seen as trouble and pushed aside. The result is a staged public discourse, where opinion is confined to parameters set by the powerful. A strong democracy needs clashing ideas and hard questions, which is impossible if journalism cannot freely challenge all sources of power, including companies and politicians.
Of course, staying independent is challenging and often met with resistance. Financial sustainability is often the first line of pressure. Governments might pull advertising, rich owners might push their own views, or the struggling news business might struggle to pay the bills. This means building strong support from readers who subscribes, philanthropic and reader-funded structures that prioritize public service over profit and innovative collaborations that supports the vision of the news organizations.
News organizations must fiercely protect their editorial integrity. They need clear ethical codes and open ways to fix mistakes. These steps build a wall against outside influence. The trust this builds is their most important tool in a time of widespread lies. At the same time, journalists must stay closely connected to the people they report on. This is achieved not through sermonising, but through relentless on-the-ground reporting that reflects the lived experiences of the public, thereby rebuilding the trust that is often exploited by those who would undermine the press.
In the end, independent journalism is never safe. It is a constant struggle. It needs both structural ingenuity and a collective commitment to its principle, a shared belief in its purpose. Whether it survives decides what kind of society we have: one that faces its problems, or one that only sees a fake reflection, cleaned up and twisted by power. A free press is not the enemy of government. The free press is not an opponent or enemy of government, but an essential component of good governance. Its independence is the foundation upon which public trust and a functional democracy are built. Defending the free press is therefore, a responsibility that falls to all who value a society that is open, accountable and truly self-determining.
