The Role of Independent Journalism in Democracies Today Independent journalism is one of the most vital pillars of a functioning democracy.
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-10-02
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.
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
Source: https://www.grammar.zone/the-pen-is-mightier-than-the-sword/
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.
The third source — the familiar phrase "The pen is mightier than the sword", combined with the stark image of a sword and a pen clashing — adds a historical and symbolic layer. This expression suggests that words, truth, and ideas can be more powerful than violence. But in today’s world, the pen is under threat. Journalists are harassed, arrested, or even killed for speaking truth to power. In many parts of the world, including established democracies, the press is called “fake news” or “the enemy of the people,” which undermines public trust and opens the door to manipulation and authoritarianism.
Independent journalism plays multiple roles in a democracy. First, it ensures transparency and accountability. By investigating government actions and exposing corruption, the media acts as a watchdog. Without this function, leaders can operate in secrecy, abusing their power without consequences. Second, journalism ensures that citizens are informed, which is necessary for meaningful participation in elections and public debate. Democracy cannot exist without an informed public. Third, independent media gives a voice to the marginalized, covering stories that powerful institutions may prefer to ignore.
However, these roles cannot be fulfilled unless journalists are protected. Both the Nobel Committee and the UN emphasize that journalism is under threat — and that these threats are threats to democracy itself. Online harassment, especially of female journalists, censorship, imprisonment, and disinformation campaigns are weakening the ability of the press to do its job. The metaphor of a broken pen and sword symbolizes this ongoing struggle. When the pen breaks, truth and dialogue are replaced by force and fear.
What can be done? The text suggests both state responsibility and individual responsibility. Governments must uphold press freedom through laws and protections. But ordinary citizens also have a duty: to support independent media, to question disinformation, and to recognize journalism as a cornerstone of freedom.
In conclusion, independent journalism is the lifeblood of any healthy democracy. It informs, exposes, connects, and protects. The growing hostility toward journalists must be seen as a direct attack on democratic society. As the UN tweet declares: "Defending journalism is standing up for democracy." And today, more than ever, democracy needs defenders.