Free Press – SS1 Civic Education Lesson Note (Second Term)

A free press is a situation in which media organisations, such as newspapers, television, radio, online news websites and blogs, are allowed to inform, educate and entertain people and to scrutinise government activities without undue censorship. It supports good governance in a democracy.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• explain what the press is;
• define a free press;
• list the forms of news media in the modern world;
• state the functions of the press.

What is the press?

The press generally refers to the newspaper industry. In the modern world, besides newspapers, there are various forms of news media such as television and radio broadcasting, online news websites and blogs.

What is a free press?

A free press refers to a situation or condition in which media organisations are allowed to perform their functions of informing, educating, entertaining people and scrutinising government activities without undue censorship, for good governance in a democracy.

The press provides the platform for a multiplicity of voices to be heard. At the national, regional and local levels, it is the public’s watchdog, activist and guardian as well as educator, entertainer and contemporary chronicle.

What are the functions of the press?

1. To give information on what is happening in the country.
2. To enlighten citizens about daily events.
3. To expose the wrongdoings of some government officials.
4. To entertain the citizens.
5. To educate the citizens.
6. To help check indiscipline among government officials.

Evaluation

1. What is the press?
2. Define a free press.
3. Name four forms of news media in the modern world.
4. State four functions of the press.

Assignment

Explain three functions of the press in a democracy.