What does it mean for the UK to have a free press?

The concept of a free press is fundamental to a democratic society like the UK. It essentially means that newspapers, magazines, and other news outlets can publish information without direct censorship or control from the government. This freedom is crucial because it allows journalists to hold power to account, investigate wrongdoing, and provide the public with a diverse range of perspectives. Historically, the struggle for a free press has been a long one, with periods of government licensing and restrictions on what could be printed. Today, while there are laws about libel and defamation, the core principle remains that the government cannot dictate what news organizations can and cannot publish. So, when we say the UK has a free press, it doesn't mean all information is free to view or that everything in newspapers is also in official records like Hansard. It specifically refers to the absence of government censorship, allowing for independent reporting and a more informed public.