It is an inherent right of all people everywhere. It is entrenched in South Africa's constitution. The Church recognises the need for freedom of speech and freedom of the Press. But she goes further rights imply corresponding duties. The proper exercise of the right to information demands that the content be true and within the limits set by justice and charity.
Freedom of expression is the fundamental condition for the exercise of every other freedom.
In Canada, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the Press. We must never forget the important role that freedom of the Press plays in supporting transparency, good governance and democracy. We should also remember what a powerful tool a free Press can be against organised crime and corruption. Democracy is impossible without freedom of the Press, for it is the basis of all democracies. Complex controversies cannot be solved without it, as questions must be aired.