Monday, December 31, 2012

Right to Knowledge... Media Freedom... the Quest for Truth

When three influential people in journalism 
come together to co-found a non-governmental organization,
possibility is seeded.

The Freedom of the Press Foundation was formed in December, 2012, with the purpose to protect journalistic freedom, by financially supporting it through crowd funding, that is, people can pay for real knowledge by voluntary donation. This upholds the very media we need most: writers who do investigative journalism and organizations that expose truth through the release of documents.

Wikileaks founder, Assange, still under asylum at Ecuador Embassy, London.
Image via SomersetBean, Australia.
I can't say enough of how important and celebrated this new, collaborative/partnership non-profit is for lovers of the Right to Free Media. Because, in today's early 21st century world, some news organizations publish unpaid articles written by a variety of celebrity-experts; thus, it becomes marketing, which is fine, except that it's packaged as and called news to an unaware public. Other news publishers buy cheap articles without ever fact-checking the original sources, articles that are continuously cloned and repeatedly distributed, multiplying like gremlins. What is sacrificed is truth, resulting in an unknown and invisible battle to keep our Right to Knowledge and a false documentation of history.

So now, the "old-fashioned" objective journalism sources that search for truth, beginning with the National Security Archive, MuckRock News, The UpTake, and WikiLeaks, will finally have a funding source (the people) and a board of power people to defend them.
Our Right to History will still be written and documented by truth-seekers.

"Seeking the truth in reporting without fear or favor 
is one of the great traditions of journalism,"
states Trevor Timm, co-founder of the Freedom of the Press Foundation.

This crucial initiative supports the Right to Knowledge.


55 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can't begin to express this overrated marketing of piggy-backing, cheap news, that provide unproven stories to Us, the public, and their clear success throughout all these years.
'The Right to Free Media, has been long-overdue." -FP

Anonymous said...

Real and honest journalism can't be financed out of the pockets of companies. It needs to be supported only by money from non-biased sources in order to truly be free.

Maria JR

Anonymous said...

living in a world with out knowing what really happens, or fake facts that the media releases can be quite scary. which means we need to support the quest for truth.

-MC

Anonymous said...

From my point of view the 20th century and the 21st century has shown a very significant desiguality in between the most fortunate and the least fortunate ones. By justice taking the power side, independent journalism takes the side justice ignores. This is the only way the ones without a voice get attention, protection and solution to their problems. Independent journalism should be protected as its the authenticity and warranty of what's really going on around us.

NBC.

Anonymous said...

I believe in supporting true and honest communication and information to the public. The right to TRUE free media is important in the development of a society. Independent communication if honest can be openly and unrestricted information, a great source for society evolution.



Anay R

Anonymous said...

I completely for honest and credible facts and stories being released to the public. Being in a world where some of the news and stories are fake is no go in my opinion. Big companies now worry about making headlines even if it makes no sense but huge ton of profit. Honest journalism won't be heard unless it's non-biased sources not from a big company that fills the public with illusions and fake news... J.J

Anonymous said...

I am a strong believer in, 'The Right to Free Media,'one that is true and just.It is devastating that vital information is being held from the public.I strongly believe for a society to function one has to know the factual details of their past and also the present, so as to be able to progress into the future.

Anonymous said...

I'm all about finding the truth and real knowledge, so I truly support this right. It's sad that now-a-days people concentrate more to what happens to celebrities than in the world. AJR

Anonymous said...

We need to do everything possible in order to fight for the right to be well informed. Real journalists, the ones who investigate and have the necessary resources to back up their research, are rarely found in today's popular media. The least we can do in order to support their quest for valuable information is to donate and help their cause; this way we can keep informative sources up and running and also fight against poor written, doubtfully researched articles.

GV

Anonymous said...

Right of expression or free of expression, two terms that being same. You can say or write something proper, exactly, correct or true, but the most important is try to no affect or destroy someone with awful intentions.
JC

Anonymous said...

From what I read everything is supposed to put the power back into the peoples' hand. To have the truth handed over to us will be a great privilege, as long as nothing corrupts the company. -KDP

Anonymous said...

I think with the development of technology over the last decade the media has become much more honest. it has given the common man a chance to be heard. We are also able to see what is going on in different countries rather than just hear about it. The phrase "you need to see it to believe it" has become much more relevent to the world of media.
~LLSE

Anonymous said...

In the present time, real and honest journalism is very rare, almost non-existing. Sensationalism is more in vogue than real news. Headlines are more about getting the people’s attention before everybody else no matter how inaccurate their information is. This is not only unprofessional and unethical, but also unreliable because people constantly make decisions based on what they get from the media. ATM

Anonymous said...

We need to support people who search for truth. I know that I like to read about what real, don't you?

-JA

Anonymous said...

I totally agree with this statement "Other news publishers buy cheap articles without ever fact-checking the original sources, articles that are continuously cloned and repeatedly distributed, multiplying like gremlins.'' I felt this reflected on what happened during the Connecticut Shooting. The image of the killer wasn't him, but his older brother; this was due to lack of true researching and trying to get a quick buck. -LL

Anonymous said...

I totally agree with this statement "Other news publishers buy cheap articles without ever fact-checking the original sources, articles that are continuously cloned and repeatedly distributed, multiplying like gremlins.'' I felt this reflected on what happened during the Connecticut Shooting. The image of the killer wasn't him, but his older brother; this was due to lack of true researching and trying to get a quick buck. -LL

Anonymous said...

I agree 100% that we as people should know the truth about what’s going around the world. I also agree with a comment that ATM posted earlier, “but also unreliable because people constantly make decisions based on what they get from the media.” There are many people around me such as neighbors, friends, and some family members that make decisions based on what they here on the media although it may not be completely accurate. (D.R.)

Anonymous said...

I find this post very interesting being that I never thought about it before. I think it's a great idea to have the right to fact media. I agree with past comment "Maria JR" that it needs to be supported only by money from non-biased sources in order to truly be free. -KM

Anonymous said...

What I’ve been seeing lately on the news is not what I call journalism; it is more of sensationalism from part of the media. Headlines that have no substance whatsoever. In contrary it is all about what “sells” the most. Not about seeking the truth and exposing corruptions and many other issues that surround us. This been so, I happily quote Mr. Trevor Tim “Seeking the truth in reporting without fear or favor is one of the great traditions of journalism and the foundation that underlies the First Amendment, “co-founder and executive director of the Freedom of the Press Foundation.
N.

Anonymous said...

According to the Universal declaration of human rights, it's the universal right of all individuals to hold their own opinions which can then be imparted to others through any media source available to them. What is Unfortunate is that because some governments employ tactics which can include censorship, harassment to journalists, and restrictive press legislation, this universal right is not always upheld. - CW

Anonymous said...

I strongly believe in the right to free media. The Media needed to be revamped to express actual facts, instead of the celebrity obsessed garbage reporting that is constantly being headlined. It is refreshing to see our generation become more active in the search of knowledge. Mercy

Anonymous said...

I agree with the right to acknowledge, but from a serious source, unfortunately the law that give the right to the journalists to protect the source open the possibility to abuse and harm people with false claims. Also in my opinion sensationalism is the tumor of today’s society, some journalists doesn’t care about to inform, only about rating, despite of the consequences.
RC

Anonymous said...

Honest information released to the public is what everyone wants. We hear things in the news yet rumors spread about how that's just the government wanting to omit the truth. No one is really allowed to say what ever they want to say because there are consequences to that when living in a government that wants to control the people. When ever companies try to fund real journalism, its very inspiring and hopefully they can help fight the government by revealing news they don't want the public to know.

JB

Anonymous said...

Everything is a business now a days and we have lost the whole purpose of journalism, we have focused more in the life of others (celebrities) and news that some people find interesting nowadays but hopefully that can change in the future, it does not look possible but there is always a hope to bring journalism back. E.O

Anonymous said...

Real knowledge is what we not only want; but, also need in this century. Humanity seems to be blinded by others opinions on the truth and not have fact. "The Right To Free Media" will enlighten many and uncover the truth to the blind.
JDF

Anonymous said...

Free media is one of the greatest freedoms of this country. Even though many people take advantage of it without thinking the consequences of what they write. I think is very important we communicate the truth and only real facts. Sdeya

JCR said...


The right to free media isn’t an issue. It becomes an issue when the “facts” are not really factual material. The problem is most articles that are not accurate are stated as being the truth when they are most likely someone’s opinion about the particular issue being discussed or written. It is hard for the truth in many matters to be known when published articles are not checked prior to their release. For future generations families and children will have many stories of what the “truth” really is.

Anonymous said...

In this backwards world of blatant corruption, the right of free media is the backbone of brilliance we have as individuals. And yet this belief has backfired by those not benevolent in which they believe it to be beneath them to broadcast the truth. Thus the balance is upset and you can bet it shall be a baleful betrayal of knowledge inhibiting the betterment of such a bold society and though such information is broken no attempt is made to be broad minded in this endeavor. If such words bore you, basically Truth is distorted and not much is done about it. Free media is what is left that we as people can do something about. I'm looking at you Fox news.
- Dav. P

Anonymous said...

I agree with news being monetarily funded by the people who are the ones who ultimately benefit from it. Everyone has the right to trustworthy media who’s content shall not be manipulated by any publicity seeking individual. People can pass on news from all diverse viewpoints and, in this way we can resolve what is correct and what is false. JAP

Anonymous said...

Despite being in the 21st century, the right to free media is still a privilege for just a few people. Objective journalism seems to decrease every day, and we are being bombarded with sensationalist news each day. However, crowd funding made possible that somehow we get access to real objective media, and I totally support it. AR

Anonymous said...

I really agree with the quote in the end. Now a days journalism isnt the same as before its full of lies when journalsm should be full of knowledge and truth.

Anonymous said...

-NAT

Gus said...

It's definitely a very sad reality that we face when we look at public media and how bent and incorrect it can be. I'm glad the people actually have another way of exercising their own rights in search of the truth in this country. Let's hope more free-thinkers start looking!-GV

Anonymous said...

The Freedom of the Press Foundation wants to allow "truth-seekers" to be able to find more objective news. The way things are now, a lot of what we call news is either distorted by the media or simply unimportant. This new foundation wants to provide real news that has no prejudice for those who seek it. The foundation promotes checking the facts and including original sources. This approach to news will actually benefit the public. -Ish

Anonymous said...

Honest journalism has always been a topic I've spoken about nostalgically, implying it had long been extinct. It's refreshing to see there are many out there willing to risk it all, with the goal of exposing the truth to the masses. This will allow many to finally learn truths they had never fathomed, and step out of the bubbles in which they live in.

- AMH19

Anonymous said...

A very good initiative, this Freedom of Press Foundation seems to support people’s right to know and journalism’s obligation to the truth.
MS

Anonymous said...

There's a common phrase "...the truth shall set you free." Although, in this case, the real truth should be free.

VMC

Anonymous said...

Media can be the most selfish and hurtful thing and as this world becomes more modern media becomes worst. People will do anything to get their 15 minutes of fame or to be on top tearing anything apart that gets in the way. In my opinion media does not inform anymore, it leaves you guessing if it's fact or fiction.
NDC

Anonymous said...

I think that the lost of moral and principle is to blame here. Everyone could have an opinion and post it on the world wide web, but that does not make it the truth. If we had the moral burden to put out the truth, then maybe just maybe we would be close to it. Relativism is killing us.

Sunshine

Anonymous said...

It was about time that such foundation was created. In today's world, corruption and lies many times outweigh honesty. Now journalists will be able to search for the truth, and will have monetary aid to help them in their research. The pressure exerted by huge companies on the news, in order to hide specific facts, will cease sooner or later. The Right to Free Media is truly vital and necessary in our community. As individuals, we deserve to know the truth about everything occurring around us.

AYS

Anonymous said...

It seems that this is true, more and more journalists are working less at uncovering the truth and are just going off articles that they get from a non reliable source. What ever happened to journalists going into the streets and actually trying to investigate themselves? I recently read the book Flat Earth News by Nick Davies. A great read about this ongoing downhill spiral of journalists in recent years and how companies are governing the news media. - ADYS

Anonymous said...

It is good to know that Freedom of the Press Foundation has been created to provide trustful and reliable information. Media has been alienated by personal and monetary interests and has become unreliable. It is also important to support this organization. M.J.

Anonymous said...

At the end of the day people are going to believe the news either if its false information.


LS

Anonymous said...

THE NEW Freedom of the Press Foundation WILL ONLY GUIDE MORE JOURNALIST TO SEEK FAIRER PASTURES FOR THEIR PASSION FOR WRITING AND RIGHT FOR FREE MEDIA. IN A WORLD WHERE THE MAIN SOURCE OF MEDIA IS EITHER THRU TV OR THUR TRASHY MAGAZINE, THIS NEW PROGRAM WILL BEGIN TO SHOW US THE REAL NEWS AND NOT WHAT THE GOVERNMENT WANTS US TO ONLY SEE, THE USA MAY NOT BE AS BAD AS OTHER MORE INJUST COUNTRIES, IE ECUADOR HAS LOT A LOST OF FREE MEDIA RIGHTS WITH THE NEW PRESIDENT, WHERE MOST PEOPLE ARE SCARED TO EVEN POST THEIR PERSONAL OPINION ABOUT GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS BECAUSE OF THE FEAR OF BEING TRACTED DOWN AND NEVER BEING FOUND AGAIN,LUCKY WITHIN THE US IT IS NOT AS SEVER, HOWEVER WE NEED TO KEEP IN MIND RIGHT TO FREE MEDIA SHOULD BE A “RIGHT” ACROSS THE PLANET AND IT SHOULD BE AS LIBERAL AS OUR RIGHT OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH IN IS THE USA
~GEA

Anonymous said...

This is what we need. People that will risk their safety for ours just so we can know the truth, because to me it feels like we aren't being told the truth 100% of the time. - GR

Anonymous said...

At the end of the day everyone is entitled to their own opinions. But, if your going to publish something for the world to see at least make it factual. The art of lies and deception are becoming way to prevalent in todays society

10/20/2010

Anonymous said...

I applaud these journalist for their ingenious idea of crowdfunding through the internet. Let the truth be told !!

SAMROG

Anonymous said...

The free media is dangerous like the governments, when they try to protect their source everybody is disposable. There is nonstop when the fourth power starts to leave the mark inside the multitude. The idea of a free media without control terrorizes a lot of people.
RC

Anonymous said...

Serious journalism looks like an animal in danger of extinction. Today’s news and rating have the same goal, keep people hypnotized and not informed. I agree with the search of truth but without hurt anybody. The end of this nonprofit organization looks harmless, but Assange is not the best example of serious correspondents.
RC

Anonymous said...

The Right to Free Media has a lot of supporters but every right has its limitation. Government’s secrets that don’t harm people should not be disclosed. Free media usually is used for sensationalism. It is a good idea that an organization use truthful journalists to report useful news and not only fashion trends.
HA

Anonymous said...

I feel that journalism, in particular investigative journalism, has always been an important part of our system. Political blogger and podcaster Dan Carlin has called investigative journalism the 4th Estate (after the exectutive, legislative, and judicial branches), due to how it functions as a tool to keep governments and businesses in check. Major news corporations seem to have forgotten this, such as CNN which recently cut funding for investigative reports. The Freedom of the Press Foundation is helping to maintain this important institution.

Jo L Lo

Anonymous said...

I agree with this statement "Other news publishers buy cheap articles without ever fact-checking the original sources, articles that are continuously cloned and repeatedly distributed, multiplying like gremlins.'' I felt this reflected on what happened during the Connecticut Shooting. The image that that media was using was the older brother of the killer, not the killer himself. This impulsive mistake was due to lack of true researching and just trying to get a quick buck. -LL

Anonymous said...

It is practically impossible to know if the media or other people are telling us the truth. But I would like to think that one day our media will be able to tell us something closer to the truth. So I believe they should investigate things as clear as possible. -AC

Anonymous said...

PLEASE CONSIDER THIS COMENT, NOT THE ABOVE
What I’ve been seeing lately on the news is not what I call journalism; it is more of sensationalism from part of the media. Headlines that have no substance whatsoever. It is not about seeking the truth and exposing corruptions and many other issues that surround us. This been so, I happily quote Mr. Trevor Tim (co-founder and executive director of the Freedom of the Press Foundation) “Seeking the truth in reporting without fear or favor is one of the great traditions of journalism and the foundation that underlies the First Amendment.”

N.

michel souza said...

I had no idea this organization was around but I am very pleased to hear about it. It is extremely unfortunate that our news sources are so filtered and manipulated. Its scary to think that we don't really know whats going on, and people are deliberately feeding us fake news. Maybe raising more awareness on this foundation will help inspire others come out with factual information.

-Michel Souza