Asian Editors Circle

When 'praise freedom' is the new press freedom

In such a scenario, the press is free but only to praise; alternative views are labelled fake news

An Israeli border police confronting a journalist following clashes after the Friday prayers at the site of demolished buildings in the West Bank, adjacent to the area of Sur Baher in East Jerusalem, on Aug 2, 2019. PHOTO: AFP
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Press freedom was a fundamental pillar of modern civilisation.

Nearly all countries, save the communist bloc and dictatorial regimes, ensured protection for the media in their Constitutions.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on August 04, 2019, with the headline When 'praise freedom' is the new press freedom. Subscribe