New
New
Why is media freedom necessary in a democracy?
I can explain what free press is and the role it plays in democracy.
Lesson 4 of 6
New
New
- Year 10
Why is media freedom necessary in a democracy?
I can explain what free press is and the role it plays in democracy.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The media plays a key role in any democracy.
- The media can be controlled to protect others, allow integrity and fairness.
- The media can be controlled through censorship, regulation and laws.
- Media freedom allows scrutiny of government and holds them to account.
Keywords
Democracy - a system of government in which citizens vote in regular, fair elections for representatives who then make laws and decisions on their behalf
Press freedom - the ability of the press to give information and express opinions
Censorship - the control of information or ideas within a society
Common misconception
The media should always be neutral.
Media freedom does not require journalists to be entirely neutral. It allows for a range of perspectives, such as investigative journalism and opinion pieces, as long as they are reported accurately.
To get pupils thinking, they can consider what their lives might be like if media was fully restricted.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A democracy is a system of government in which citizens in regular, fair elections.
A democracy is a system of government in which citizens in regular, fair elections.
Q2.There are two main voting systems, first-past-the-post is one, what is the other one?
There are two main voting systems, first-past-the-post is one, what is the other one?
Q3.Match the word to its definition.
Match the word to its definition.
Q4.Some people believe individual votes don’t matter, so there’s no point in voting. Which answer shows that individual votes matter?
Some people believe individual votes don’t matter, so there’s no point in voting. Which answer shows that individual votes matter?
every vote counts equally, regardless of the seat
only votes in large cities matter in elections
Q5.An independent candidate is ...
An independent candidate is ...
someone who represents multiple political parties.
a member of a political party but runs without official party support.
a government official running for re-election.
Q6.Which of the following are key features of a democracy?
Which of the following are key features of a democracy?
no elections and the leader makes all decisions
government controls the media
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does press freedom help to promote?
What does press freedom help to promote?
inequality
limited choice
censorship
Q2.Order the countries from most to least press freedom according to the 2024 World Press Freedom Index.
Order the countries from most to least press freedom according to the 2024 World Press Freedom Index.
Q3. is the control of information or ideas in a society.
is the control of information or ideas in a society.
Q4.In a democracy, the media should inform the public by making sure when they report news it is …
In a democracy, the media should inform the public by making sure when they report news it is …
Q5.Media freedom plays a crucial role in ... the government and ensuring it holds them accountable for their actions.
Media freedom plays a crucial role in ... the government and ensuring it holds them accountable for their actions.
Q6.Which of the following statements best reflects the concept of media freedom?
Which of the following statements best reflects the concept of media freedom?
the media should be completely neutral in their reporting
the media should only report the facts and avoid any form of analysis or opinion
