# data[].attributes.body
First Amendment means that print media are free from prior restraint.

Prior restraint: government censorship of information before it is published.

Freedom of the press, however, is not absolute.

If a publication damages someone’s reputation with false statements, that person can sue the publication and recover damages.

The value placed on our freedom of speech makes it difficult for public officials to win defamation lawsuits.

# data[].attributes.body
The ease of publishing online has resulted in a greater diversity of sources, voices, and viewpoints than were available in traditional print and broadcast news.

The internet allows news to spread much, much quicker and global.

The Internet and social media have encouraged growth of hyper-local news.

E-mail groups, blogs, and social media sites enable residents to share information about local government and issues.

# data[].attributes.headline
Relationship Between Media and Government

# data[].attributes.subject
Relationship Between Media and Government

# data[].attributes.body
Politicians want to use the media to help them reach their goals, such as getting reelected and convincing the public that their policies are worthwhile.

Government officials would like the media to pass on their messages just as the officials present them.

Journalists see their job as informing the public, not passing along politicians’ messages.

# data[].attributes.body
The mass media include all the means for communicating information to the general public.

Newspapers had the field to themselves until they were challenged by magazines, radio, television, and the Internet.

The public relies on reporters to condense and clarify complicated stories and to alert them to important issues and to uncover problems in government.

# data[].attributes.body
Journalists serve a watchdog role, keeping a close eye on government officials to keep the public informed and to guard against corruption and the abuse of power.

Media environment has changed drastically through years.

Several television networks broadcast news 24 hours a day, sometimes with a very particular slant or bias.