Although written hundreds of years ago, the Bill of Rights continues to play an active role in our everyday lives. On this day, in 1787, our founding fathers signed the Constitution giving American citizens rights. The First Amendment states:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

This same amendment supports student’s freedom of press, making The Falconer possible today! Freedom of the press is the freedom to “seek the truth and report on it.” 

As technology and circulation speed of news further develops, the importance of freedom of the press increases. People rely on the media to supply true information and stories. From the written word in publications to streamable videos on social media platforms, the news is coming in all forms. 

As citizens of the United States, we have the right to know what is happening in our country. For example, we wouldn’t know anything about COVID-19 without the press. Without quick and accurate reporting, the public would lack preparation for the pandemic, resulting in more deaths. Right now is one of the most important times for the press to exercise this right. They are the backbone of all information. 

If the government controlled the press, then we’d only hear what they want us to hear. Our freedom of the press gets taken for granted because there are places where the government actively controls the press. 

The Bill of Rights, the Constitution, the first amendment and freedom of the press have helped shape this country into what it is today. We need the freedom of the press to have a well-functioning society. Without freedom of the press, the nation would suffer greatly.