Journalists are currently living through challenges and events that are making it harder for their rights to be truly protected. These days many reporters and journalists are being verbally attacked and criticized only for doing their jobs, especially by the President of the United States.
To begin, President Trump has often called many news outlets “fake news.” This might just sound like a minor insult, but because it’s coming from someone with so much power, it can cause a big impact. When a President decides to personally attack the media in such a way it can cause a response of distrust towards journalists and their work. Additionally it can make reporters feel pressured while doing their everyday work because it can cause them to worry about their safety, or cause them to receive intense criticism. This amount of pressure can make journalists second guess their reporting, which overall weakens the public’s ability to stay informed.
Another issue is how Donald Trump has treated journalists during press conferences. President Trump has insulted journalists and ignored many questions that involved or confronted him. For example, President Trump called a female journalist a “piggy” to try and stop her from asking more questions about the Epstein Files. To another female reporter, President Trump said, “You are the worst reporter.” A President of course does not always agree with all journalists and reporters’ opinions, but insulting or ignoring journalists does not only result in them not receiving an answer, it result in millions of Americans being left with unanswered questions as well. When we the people are being left with unanswered questions, we are left without clear answers, which causes confusion about what is really going on in the government.
Lastly, President Trump has directly attacked news organizations. For example, President Trump has strongly criticized many news networks such as NBC and ABC News. Not only that, but he has also sued media companies like CNN and The New York Times due to him not approving and disagreeing with stories they reported. When citizens hear and see a leader attack the press, it can cause pressure to censor their own work for journalists and make it harder for them to report freely. This is a very strong concern because it makes people wonder whether the original amendments within the Constitution are truly being respected.
Journalists should be able to report the truth and ask questions without being attacked or ignored, especially from a President of a country. It’s important to understand that if the press is weakened it would become harder for people to really stay informed about what the government is truly doing. A free press should not be a privilege but a right that protects us as all.
