News You Can Use
In the United States, we celebrate Constitution Week, Sept. 17- 23, along with Citizenship Day on Sept. 17. In 1787, 12 states voted in favor of the proposed U. S. Constitution. This document, which took effect in 1789, is a set of basic laws that organizes our government. Later, the Bill of Rights added more ideas. Over the past year, we’ve heard a lot about “fake news.” This week, The Mini Page looks at the First Amendment and why news coverage about government is so important to citizens.
Why a free press?
Our country’s Founding Fathers included freedom of the press in the Bill of Rights with citizens inmind. They wanted journalists to be parallel, or even with, members of the government. This way, news reporters can keep an eye on what government is doing and report it to the people. In the early 1900s, “watchdog journalism”* became more common. Magazines and newspapers looked at problems with city governments andwith industries such as railroads and food processing.
How do we get the news?
Over the years, newspapers, radio, television, the internet and other media have become important tools for people to find out what our government is up to. Today, we have many ways to follow the news. Some families get a newspaper delivered to their home every day or everyweek. Others may read local and national news on the internet.
What is trust?
It’s important for consumers, or users, of the news to decide whom they trust. What does trust mean? If you trust someone, it means you are confident that you can count on that person to be fair and honest. You can also trust a company or an organization. If you trust a news person or station, you believe that they are telling you the truth.
Look for variety
Experts suggest that just as eating a variety of foods is important, kids and adults should look at different media for news about government and then form their ideas about what the government is doing. Consumers should not just read or watch the news. They should think about how it’s presented. Examining the news today will help you become a better news consumer as you get older.