Stuff You Should Know How Freedom of the Press Works
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Jun 7, 2022 The podcast dives into the state of press freedom worldwide, highlighting the U.S.'s low ranking and contrasting it with Finland's top position. It explores the historical challenges faced in securing press freedom, including landmark cases like New York Times v. Sullivan. The discussion also touches on the impact of government censorship and the media's struggle with integrity amidst modern pressures, blending serious insights with lighthearted anecdotes about quirky topics like parachuting on horseback. It's a captivating look at the vital role of the press in democracy.
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Early Printing and Criticism
- Early printing focused on criticizing governments and the Church.
- This highlights the historical role of the printed word in challenging authority.
Cato's Letters
- Essayists John Trenchard and Thomas Gordon, writing as "Cato," championed free speech.
- They argued that open communication among citizens is crucial, especially regarding government actions.
Zenger Trial
- In 1735, printer John Peter Zenger was jailed for criticizing the New York governor.
- His acquittal, thanks to lawyer Andrew Hamilton, was a landmark victory for press freedom.