Where free speech and press meet

A citizen’s right to free speech is intertwined with the right to free press, according to Goodman, as the press offers a medium for expression and only through it can an individual be informed.

“(We) must remember how closely tied free press and free speech are,” Goodman said. “The moment we start tolerating restrictions on press freedom is the moment the free speech rights of individuals can be curtailed as well.”

Tinker said journalists must continuously fight for their right to publish stores in the face of attempted suppression.

“We are living in mighty times when there are so many important decisions to be made about the directions of our communities, our country and our world,” Tinker said. “Journalism is under attack by some forces in our country and that’s not right because we need the free press for democracy.”

In addition to helping inform the public, Safchik said high school and college newspapers allow student journalists to gain experience and find their passion.

“Having students who are well trained in the art of journalism, who will take their job seriously and will have a real passion for doing the news and doing it right could be (what) brings our democracy into the 21st century in a safe and productive way.”

According to Goodman, the free press most importantly connects the public with the truth, allowing for a more informed society.

“If it weren’t for journalism in its many different forms, we would have to rely only on those people in power and what they tell us,” Goodman said. “Journalism, in its best incarnation, is the independent telling of the truth and the relaying of facts that we as community members can base our decisions on.”