45 The power of the press

In democratic countries any efforts to restrict the freedom of the press are rightly condemned.

However, this freedom can easily be abused.

Stories about people often attract far more public attention than political events.

Though we may enjoy reading about the lives of others, it is extremely doubtful whether we would equally enjoy reading about ourselves.

Acting on the contention that facts are sacred, reporters can cause untold suffering to individuals by publishing details about their private lives.

Newspapers exert such tremendous influence that they can not only bring about major changes to the lives of ordinary people but can even overthrow a government.