New
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Is the free press free everywhere?
I can explain what press freedom is and how it varies across the world.
Lesson 4 of 7
New
New
- Year 10
Is the free press free everywhere?
I can explain what press freedom is and how it varies across the world.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In some countries, censorship restricts press freedom by controlling what can be reported.
- Journalists may face punishment or imprisonment for reporting on certain topics.
- A free press is essential for democracy but is limited by government control in some countries.
Keywords
Free press - the right of media to report news and express opinions without government censorship or interference
Censorship - the control of information or ideas within a society
Democracy - a system of government in which citizens vote in regular, fair elections for representatives who then make laws and decisions on their behalf
Common misconception
All democracies have a free press.
Democracies generally support press freedom; some still have restrictions and controls.
The levels of press freedom across the world can change and evolve over time. When using case studies always check that information is up-to-date and include any changes that have occurred.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What are citizens in non-democratic governments more likely to experience?
What are citizens in non-democratic governments more likely to experience?
active citizenship
Q2.Which of the following is a key feature of a democratic system?
Which of the following is a key feature of a democratic system?
one party rule
no opposition allowed
Q3.To be considered democratic, a country must have key features such as free and fair elections, a multi-party system and protection of rights.
To be considered democratic, a country must have key features such as free and fair elections, a multi-party system and protection of rights.
Q4.Match each key feature of a democracy to its correct description.
Match each key feature of a democracy to its correct description.
Q5.A government is one where power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or small group, and citizens have limited influence in decision-making.
A government is one where power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or small group, and citizens have limited influence in decision-making.
Q6.How does the use of censorship benefit non-democratic governments?
How does the use of censorship benefit non-democratic governments?
It encourages freedom of speech and open debate.
It promotes the spread of opposing ideas.
It allows citizens to share information freely.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each term to its correct definition.
Match each term to its correct definition.
Q2.Which statement is true?
Which statement is true?
All countries have the same level of press freedom.
Press freedom is not important in a democracy.
Journalists are always safe to report freely.
Q3.Can censorship occur in democratic countries?
Can censorship occur in democratic countries?
Yes, but only in emergency situations.
No, democracies always guarantee complete freedom of expression.
No, censorship is strictly prohibited in all democratic nations.
Q4.Order the countries from highest to lowest, based on their press freedom ranking in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index.
Order the countries from highest to lowest, based on their press freedom ranking in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index.
Q5.A press ensures transparency, informs the public and holds leaders accountable, which are fundamental in a democracy.
A press ensures transparency, informs the public and holds leaders accountable, which are fundamental in a democracy.
Q6.Reporters without Borders believe that is crucial for raising awareness about the risk journalists face and call for global protection of their rights.
Reporters without Borders believe that is crucial for raising awareness about the risk journalists face and call for global protection of their rights.
