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What is a free press and why is it important for democracy?
I can explain what a free press is and its importance in a democracy.
Lesson 4 of 6
New
New
- Year 11
What is a free press and why is it important for democracy?
I can explain what a free press is and its importance in a democracy.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A free press is the right for the media to publish and share information and opinions without interference.
- A free press allows for freedom, transparency and accountability.
- A free press can support and hinder democracy in the UK.
Keywords
Free press - the right of media to report news and express opinions without government censorship or interference
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
Media outlets are always factual and not bias.
Media outlets strive to report factual information. However, they can still exhbit media bias that can be linked to political affiliations and concentration of media ownership.
Use a current case study and present at least three contrasting media sources to help pupils identify how language, tone and focus can vary in the reporting of the same event. This helps pupils to build critical thinking and media literacy skills.
Teacher tip
Equipment
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.A is a system of government in which citizens vote in regular, fair elections for representatives who then make laws and decisions on their behalf.
A is a system of government in which citizens vote in regular, fair elections for representatives who then make laws and decisions on their behalf.
Q2.What is the best definition of accountability?
What is the best definition of accountability?
taking credit when a group succeeds in a task or project
following rules without question or making personal input
giving tasks to others to avoid facing consequences alone
Q3.Which of these are ways leaders are held accountable?
Which of these are ways leaders are held accountable?
opening of Parliament
Q4.Which of these are ways citizens can hold leaders to account?
Which of these are ways citizens can hold leaders to account?
debating in the House of Commons
Q5.In the UK, power is divided among three branches to prevent any one person or group from holding all the power. This is known as a of powers.
In the UK, power is divided among three branches to prevent any one person or group from holding all the power. This is known as a of powers.
Q6.Which of these does the separation of powers allow for?
Which of these does the separation of powers allow for?
complete control
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A press is important in democracy because it allows the media to publish stories without being controlled by the Government.
A press is important in democracy because it allows the media to publish stories without being controlled by the Government.
Q2.Which of the following is a reason why a free press is important for a democratic society?
Which of the following is a reason why a free press is important for a democratic society?
it promotes only positive news
it allows governments to hide mistakes
Q3.Which statement is most accurate about the media?
Which statement is most accurate about the media?
all opinions in the media are false
all media is always neutral
bias in media is illegal in the UK
Q4.Which of these are benefits of being aware of media bias?
Which of these are benefits of being aware of media bias?
citizens trust everything they see on social media
citizens avoid reading or watch any news
Q5.The media supports democracy by helping people make decisions in elections.
The media supports democracy by helping people make decisions in elections.
Q6.Match the example to whether the media supports or hinders democracy in the UK.
Match the example to whether the media supports or hinders democracy in the UK.
