Journalists also play a key role in fact-checking and debunking misinformation and propaganda, which can undermine democracy by spreading falsehoods and sowing division among citizens. By holding themselves and others accountable for the accuracy of their reporting, journalists can help ensure that the public has access to reliable information and can make informed decisions based on facts, not fiction. Press freedom is essential to a healthy democracy, as it enables journalists to hold those in power accountable and serve as a check on government authority. Journalists must be able to report without fear of censorship, intimidation, or retaliation, and media organizations must have the independence to operate without interference from external forces.
