No contemporary American politician will lift a finger to help journalism—unless it’s a middle finger, raised in response to any request for support of independent, quality reporting or the pursuit of truth. Speaking out in defense of honest journalism is a form of political self-destruction.
Supporting journalism is a non-starter. Many politicians have spent years convincing the public that journalists are the problem. Others seem paralyzed by fear, too cowardly to raise their voices in defense of a free press.
What’s most baffling is hearing politicians invoke “free speech” to defend everything from deportations without due process to threats against federal funding for academic, scientific, and medical research, and even the arts. At the same time, we hear whispers (and some shouts) of government threats to investigate law enforcement, public officials, and journalists simply for doing their jobs. Are we entering—or already in—an era where the government uses its power to intimidate media owners into self-censorship and impose financial penalties on news organizations?
Our judicial system is founded on the belief that legal processes help us reach the best version of the truth—truth that can then be applied to laws promoting fairness, equality, and justice. But imagine if our leaders decided that court rulings and the rule of law were optional whenever inconvenient. Take habeas corpus: it’s clumsy, cumbersome, and costly. But if leadership is so wise and all-knowing, then due process must be a nuisance, right?
Oh wait. Many of these things are already happening.
So let’s revise the opening: No politician today will lift a finger to save journalism, true freedom of speech, or our democracy.
Why? Because American politicians are no longer divided simply by party—Republican versus Democrat—but by character. One camp lusts for power and is willing to bulldoze the ideals that built this country. The other camp is paralyzed by fear, too afraid to speak out and confront the erosion of those values.
That’s why journalism is essential to preserving democracy. The founders of this country understood that 250 years ago. Somehow, along the road to 2025, that wisdom was lost.
If politicians won’t lead us back to democratic values and a free, independent press, who will?
It will take three kinds of people:
First, journalists must recommit to the highest standards of reporting and unbiased newsgathering. No matter where someone falls on the political spectrum, they want to know the truth. But presenting the truth in its full context is hard. It takes time, nuance, and care. The challenges facing America are rarely black and white. Journalists need the support and space to tell the whole story.
Second, media owners must have the courage to protect and invest in their journalists. Let reporters know that ownership stands for journalistic integrity. That commitment enhances not only the credibility of the newsroom but the long-term value of the entire media enterprise. The current pressure on journalists—to do more with less, in less time, and for inadequate pay—is unsustainable. It erodes quality and undermines trust.
Third, journalists and media owners must collaborate to help the public understand that strong, independent, and nonpartisan journalism is a public service. Citizens have a right to demand transparency and accountability from their government, and a responsibility to support the press that enables that oversight. When journalism is celebrated, democratic values are strengthened. Integrity and trust follow.
No, politicians won’t save journalism. But committed journalists, supported by courageous leadership and an informed public, might save both journalism and democracy itself.
Let truth rule.