#freedom-of-the-press

#freedom-of-the-press

In our hour, 2026 now looms as the critical moment, the time in which we will continue to have free and fair elections or not, will continue to have courts that uphold the rule of law or not, will continue to enjoy constitutional rights of citizenship and free speech and free press or not. For all Americans, very much including for journalists, the question for the year ahead is whether we will rise to the occasion.

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets from Times Square to the National Mall on Saturday, waving flags and holding signs calling for accountability and democracy during nationwide "No Kings Day" protests. What is No Kings Day? "No Kings Day" is a coordinated, nationwide protest movement centered on the idea that no leader should be above the law. Organizers describe it as a day to reaffirm democratic principles, emphasizing equality, accountability and the role of the press in a free society.

The president has never done well with criticism, constantly going after news organizations and private companies and individuals perceived to be insufficiently supportive or ingratiating. "This is the environment that we're all operating in, and we've known this for a while, where, whether it's legitimate or not, you have the government as an actor trying to control and shape coverage through a combination of means, one of which is threats," the news anchor said.