The Role of Independent Journalism in Democracies Today Independent journalism is one of the most vital pillars of a functioning democracy.
📋 Exam Question
Journalism in democracies
Responding to the material below, write a text in which you reflect on the role of independent journalism in democracies today.
Recommended length: 175-300 words.
You may have to scroll.
- Text 1: Press release: The Norwegian Nobel Committee
Extract from the press release relating to The Norwegian Nobel Committee’s decision to award the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize to journalists Dmitry Muratov and Maria Ressa:
"Free, independent and fact-based journalism serves to protect against abuse of power, lies and war propaganda. The Norwegian Nobel Committee is convinced that freedom of expression and freedom of information help to ensure an informed public. These rights are crucial prerequisites for democracy and protect against war and conflict […] Without freedom of expression and freedom of the press, it will be difficult to successfully promote fraternity between nations, disarmament and a better world order to succeed in our time. This year’s award of the Nobel Peace Prize is therefore firmly anchored in the provisions of Alfred Nobel’s will."
Source: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2021/press-release/
Source: UN Twitter: https://twitter.com/un/status/1396603850652520451. Retrieved: 09.03.22
- Text 3: "The Pen is mightier than the Sword”
Source: https://www.grammar.zone/the-pen-is-mightier-than-the-sword/
✏️ Model Answer
The Role of Independent Journalism in Democracies Today
Independent journalism is one of the most vital pillars of a functioning democracy. In today's complex and polarized world, where misinformation spreads rapidly and authoritarian tendencies are on the rise, the role of free and fact-based reporting has never been more important. The material provided — including a Nobel Peace Prize press release, a UN tweet, and powerful illustrations — all emphasize how journalism protects democratic values and human rights.
In the press release from the Norwegian Nobel Committee, we are reminded that journalism is not just about reporting daily news. It is described as a tool that defends society against "abuse of power, lies, and war propaganda." The committee's decision to award the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov underlines this belief. Their work exposed corruption, human rights violations, and disinformation, often at great personal risk. The press release also links journalism to peacebuilding, arguing that “freedom of expression and freedom of the press” are essential not only for democracy but also for promoting global fraternity and preventing conflict.
This message is echoed visually and emotionally in the UN tweet, which states: “Attacks on journalists are attacks on freedom of expression.” The accompanying image shows a hand in handcuffs holding a pen — a powerful metaphor. It suggests that when journalists are silenced, society is also imprisoned. The tweet also highlights the urgent need for “facts and press freedom,” reinforcing that independent journalism is not a luxury but a necessity for democratic survival. …