May 3rd was World Press Freedom Day, but one day is not enough to celebrate the Freedom of the Press we enjoy today, thanks to a vision of our founding fathers.
To most people, the 3rd was just another day. But to me, it is one of the most important days of the year. It represents what we do here at Franklin County Free Press, every day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year.
We don’t do this because we favor one side or another. In fact, we bend over backward to represent everyone in our community to the point that you, the individual reader, see us as unbiased, fair and impartial.
We do this because we love this community and want to keep all our readers informed. We do this because our ability to keep you informed is protected by the Constitution.
The people’s relationship with the press has always had its ups and downs. Ever since its intervention, the printing press has been controversial. It makes sense. Information informs us. It also unnerves those who would keep the truth hidden.
Sometimes it seems we can’t get more polarized as a country. Sometimes, the media contributes to this notion.
I’m here to tell you that we are all in this together. We are more alike than not — and we all love our community, whether it is in Franklin County PA, or one of the many other communities we serve.
The founders couldn’t have imagined the world we live in today. But they protected freedom of the press because they had seen first hand what unchecked power can do.
A world without press freedom is one where government officials imprison journalists (or worse) for reporting on civil rights protests. It’s one where scammers or polluters enrich themselves without oversight. It is one where you find out too late about, say, the risks of a pandemic.
If our journalism has ever informed or helped you, please make a contribution in honor of World Press Freedom Day.
We can’t do this work without support.
Sincerely,
Franklin County Free Press
