A Free Press: Democracy and Mass Media

Abstract

The constitutions of almost all modern states include some reference to the role of the media. They do not agree, however, as to what exactly that role should be. So it is that the US Constitution’s First Amendment insists that ‘Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press’ while, by contrast, Saudi Arabia’s Fundamental Law (Article 39) requires that ‘The media and publishing houses, as well as other forms of expression, must respect the words and laws of the State … Publication of anything that might lead to internal rifts or struggle, or that might harm state security or foreign relations, is forbidden in accordance with the law.’ In each case, the assumption is that, in establishing the political order, the place and function of mass media has to be clearly demarcated. For one state, this means protecting press freedom; for another, it means restricting press freedom.