On June 16th, 1775, the Battle of Bunker Hill, one of the earliest conflicts of the Revolutionary War, took place. This event was instrumental in demonstrating that the American colonists could hold their own against the British forces, significantly boosting morale and further consolidating the revolutionary spirit.

A cornerstone of a functioning democracy is an independent and fair press. During the American Revolution, publications such as Benjamin Franklin’s Pennsylvania Gazette and Samuel Adams’ Boston Gazette were instrumental in stirring up public sentiment against British rule. Their persistent voice against oppressive measures, such as the Stamp Act and other unjust laws, galvanized the colonists to take a stand. These papers were not just news outlets; they were platforms that amplified the cause of liberty and justice.

However, today’s media landscape often seems to echo an unfortunate deviation from the lofty ideals of journalistic integrity and independence. Rather than acting as the ‘Fourth Estate’ and holding power to account, it is concerning to see instances where the press seems more interested in perpetuating certain narratives, often at the cost of objective truth. This trend mirrors the colonial era Loyalist press that often served as mouthpieces for the British Crown instead of representing the interests and sentiments of the people.

“Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freeness of speech,” Benjamin Franklin once warned us. This statement holds as true today as it did during the Revolutionary War. A free and objective press is the lifeblood of a democratic society. We, as a society, must ensure that the press returns to its intended role of reporting unbiased news and holding power to account rather than being swayed by political or corporate interests.

To Be Continued…

Beadles