The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution confirmed the significance of the press in American society and guaranteed freedom of the press. This fundamental right has allowed journalists to investigate, report, and comment on matters of public interest without fear of government censorship or reprisal.
Over a long period of time, American journalism has developed principles and methods that enabled it to thrive, fulfill its mission, and gain the public's trust. These core principles are: 1. truth and accuracy; 2. independence; 3. fairness and impartiality; 4. accountability; 5. public service.
For decades now, trust in American journalism has waned. While most U.S. adults (79%) believe the media has at least some freedom to report the news, only a third say they are entirely unfettered. A significant portion (21%) even believe the media has little to no freedom (Source: pewresearch.com).
This fading trust is not evenly distributed across the political spectrum. Democrats are more likely than Republicans to say the media is completely free (38% vs. 29%), while Republicans are more likely to say the media has little to no freedom (29% vs. 12%). (Source: pewresearch.com).
Technological advances, particularly mobile communications and the internet, have significantly disrupted journalism. These ubiquitous technologies have enabled the rise of a new press, one that does not necessarily conform to the principles that have traditionally shaped American journalism.
Traditional media outlets are working hard to cope with this technological disruption in order to maintain their relevance and economic viability. The new press is also striving for effectiveness, credibility, and a sustainable business model.
Many historical, professional, and economic factors could potentially give the traditional press an advantage in regaining its role in society. However, the key factor is public trust in the press's ability to adhere to its self-imposed principles.
Much of the new press leans conservative, and its consumers often perceive traditional media as lacking in truthfulness, accuracy, fairness, and independence. This perception fuels their willingness to tolerate exposure to disinformation and manipulation.
The future press landscape remains uncertain. The traditional press can regain public trust by shining a light on any ideological bias or conflict of interest while carrying out normal press function. As for the new press, it can build on the trust it enjoys by embracing the same principles that have long defined American journalism, and by being vigilant to the threat paused by disinformation.
The freedom of the press was included in the Constitution for a reason. The press is free to investigate, report, and comment on matters of public interest without fear of government censorship or reprisal. Threat from government censorship and reprisal is not the only threat to the press. Today, there is even a greater threat to the press, individuals, society and democracy. It is the threat of disinformation. Disinformation cannot be confused with the press, or with another protected freedom: individual self-expression.
In its current form, disinformation is causing real harm to not only trust in the press, but also to democracy and democratic institutions and processes. The danger does not stop there. Disinformation is responsible for causing damage to social cohesion, business and public health. Therefore, entities that engage in, or even condone, the practice of disinformation should not expect protection under the First Amendment.
