The short answer is yes, but I do think that the results of
the Leveson Inquiry should make us think twice about just how important the
press is. Whilst the press was revealing stories of corrupt politicians, drunk
celebrities and “broken Britain” the whole industry, with only a few
exceptions, was rotten to the core itself.
One paper has already fallen victim to the post-Hacking
scandal fury (the NOTW). News Corporation stopped trying to buy the remaining
shares of BSkyB and took the decision recently to split the corporation in two.
I ask the question because I believe that the importance of
the internet is much more important. The internet has allowed for journalism to
turn to the ordinary civilian and power has been removed from powerful men. I
don’t believe a free press is one controlled by a handful of people. Although
papers like the Guardian and the Independent will be missed greatly if they
ever shut down, but we may have to accept this. Thankfully both papers have an
online service; the Guardian is the second most read British news website!
With declining revenue and falling paper sells we may have
to accept the gradual disappearance of the printed news, but we need not worry
too much. The internet will save us from completely losing the press, it is
also a lot freer than the press and it allows for ordinary citizens to share
their own opinions. Do you think I’d have my own blog if it wasn’t for the
internet? No.
The internet, not the press, is the saviour of our
democracy.
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