This archive report was first published on 24 September 2019.
As the world grapples with the challenges of a rapidly changing media landscape, the free press is facing unprecedented threats. In the United States, the Trump administration has launched a series of attacks on the press, including frivolous lawsuits and investigations targeting government leaks.
But the responsibility to stand up for the free press extends far beyond the newsroom. Business leaders, including tech giants like Facebook, Twitter, Google, and Apple, have a critical role to play in defending journalism. Despite their track record of standing up to governments abroad, they have often turned a blind eye to disinformation and permitted the suppression of real journalism.
Our political leaders must also step up to defend the free press. Those elected to uphold the Constitution betray its ideals when they undermine the free press for short-term political gain. Leaders from both parties should support independent journalism and fight anti-press efforts at home and abroad.
Finally, it is up to each of us to raise our voices in defense of the free press. We must care about where our news comes from and how it's made, and support organizations that defend journalists at risk around the world. By doing so, we can help ensure that the true power of a free press – an informed, engaged citizenry – remains a cornerstone of our democracy.
September 24, 2019
A. G. Sulzberger is the publisher of The New York Times.
