In America, freedom of the press is very important. It’s enshrined in our Bill of Rights for a reason. It also plays a vital role in Americans being able to have access to necessary information that will keep them up to date on world events and other relevant affairs.
History has shown that infringements upon freedom of the press generally lead to fascism and other violations of people’s rights.
It is for this very reason that Maricopa County, Arizona just took a loss in the court system, according to Frontline America.
Maricopa County Decides to Pay Up
During last year’s midterm elections, Maricopa County barred the right-wing Gateway Pundit from observing a news conference covering the relevant races. Due to the county’s decision, it’s just paid out a whopping $175,000 to the conservative publication.
You can't make this stuff up. I'm writing an article about MaRICOpa County having to pay The Gateway Pundit $175,000 for not allowing reporter @ConradsonJordan a press pass during the election, and came across this requirement they made reporters agree to: "Further, I do not…
— Rachel Alexander (@Rach_IC) April 17, 2023
This payment comes as a settlement, since Maricopa County didn’t want to drag this out. The Gateway Pundit’s lawsuit that was just settled also accused the county of breaching First Amendment rights.
Given how this has transpired, it’s safe to say that other counties may think twice before denying various reporters access to certain news events.
The Importance of Independent Media
In the United States, it’s extremely critical for independent media to be allowed to do its job without interference. That’s especially the case since more and more Americans are turning to independent media to get their news and find out what’s happening across the country.
Maricopa County is being held accountable for one thing it did wrong during the 2022 election Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted to settle a lawsuit brought by Gateway Pundit reporter Jordan Conradson and TGP Communications, the Pundit’s parent company, for $175,000.
— Jereme45 (@Jereme45) April 15, 2023
Over the years, the mainstream press has completely sabotaged its own credibility with much of the country. Many Americans now no longer trust the mainstream media to be honest or unbiased when it’s covering news.
On social media, many conservatives have celebrated the victory of the Gateway Pundit, along with the hefty settlement it has now received from Maricopa County, Arizona.
This article appeared in Watch Dog News and has been published here with permission.
