In America’s system of government, where free speech is still strong, the people rely on the press. This is perhaps not the case in most countries in the world. The Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics organized an expert discussion, held on October 17^th, that is highly recommended viewing. In the video below, you can watch a series of talks leading to a panel discussion on the topic of the remarkable role press in buttressing democracy in recent years. Speakers discussed how the press can better help democracy in America.

In a great program of interesting analysis, speakers looked at the relationship between the press and politics from many angles. According to one of the speakers, there is a lot of work done in journalism does not only constitute everyday reporting but is actually reflecting the voice of the people and using the pen to save democracy.

When people become voiceless and powerless, it damages democracy and poisons politics. A history in America of the press speaking out against abuses has been instrumental in giving people a voice and acted as a real constraint against unbridled power.

The Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics has a “mission to unite learners, with advocates, instructors, politicians, and policymakers on a non-partisan basis and to arouse their feeling for public service and leadership”. Guests in this event included:

• Jill Abramson :29th Annual Theodore H. White Lecture on Press and Politics;
• Jane Mayer : Senior lecturer, Harvard University; political columnist, The Guardian; former executive editor, The New York Times;
• David Nyhan : Staff Writer, The New Yorker; author, “Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right”
• David Von Drehle  : Prize for Political Journalism.

The video lasts for about an hour. Take a look:

Also see DC’s American Democracy page!