EDITORIAL | A free press is a cornerstone of democracy

The Biddeford Gazette stands proudly and firmly with our journalism colleagues in condemning President Trump’s decision to ban CNN, Politico, and MS NOW from the White House.

The Biddeford Gazette is a proud member of both the Maine Press Association (MPA) and the New England Newspaper & Press Association (NENPA).

We stand strongly and united with our professional colleagues, and we rigorously and wholeheartedly support the following joint statement that was released yesterday (Sept. 21) by several New England-based journalism organizations, including the MPA and NENPA.

We, the undersigned journalism organizations, strongly condemn President Donald Trump’s decision to ban CNN, Politico, and MS NOW from the White House.

A free and independent press is fundamental to our democracy. Journalists must be able to report on government officials and hold those in power accountable without fear of retaliation or restrictions based on the content of their reporting.

Presidents have the right to respond to criticism and challenge reporting they believe is inaccurate.

However, using the power of the presidency to restrict access for news organizations because of their coverage threatens the principles of press freedom and government transparency.

The White House is a public institution, and access to it should not be conditioned on whether journalists or news organizations produce coverage that is favorable to the president.

The press is a proxy for the public. When the press is denied access, the people are denied access to information.

We stand with journalists and news organizations committed to informing the public. We urge the Administration to respect the independence of the press and recognize that a free press is essential to a healthy democracy.

Protecting press freedom is not about supporting one political party or opposing another. It is about defending the constitutional principles that allow journalism to serve the public, regardless of who occupies the White House.

As organizations representing and supporting journalism throughout New England, we remain committed to defending the First Amendment and supporting the vital role of an independent press.

Signed,

Connecticut Daily Newspaper Association; Maine Press Association; Massachusetts Newspaper Publishers Association; New England First Amendment Coalition; New England Newspaper and Press Association; Vermont Press Association.

Endorsed by Biddeford Gazette, Inc.

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