Europe's Eroding Press Freedom - Hit & Run : Reason.com

The loss of liberty in socialist states is not a matter of if but one of when. When the money runs outs and the inevitable finger pointing begins, then the autocrats in power have to either deflect blame of which some will do through nationalism and blaming outsiders or by the muzzling of free speech. This is what is happening in Europe. As things get more troubled and hostile, the governments there will have to have control over the press and keep them from reporting truth since truth may cause internal stress....

All EU countries should have independent media councils with a politically and culturally balanced and socially diverse membership. Nominations to them should be transparent, with built-in checks and balances. Such bodies would have competences to investigate complaints, much like a media ombudsman, but would also check that media organisations have published a code of conduct and have revealed ownership details, declarations of conflicts of interest, etc. Media councils should have real enforcement powers, such as the imposition of fines, orders for printed or broadcast apologies, or removal of journalistic status. The national media councils should follow a set of European-wide standards and be monitored by the Commission to ensure that they comply with European values.

Complying with European values? What the heck is that?

But also, the same is happening in the USA as Fox News has been attacked by socialist Democrats...

Alas, the president loves to whine about the media meanies at Fox News. To him, these are not people trying to do their jobs. No, they are out to get him. What other motive could a journalist have in holding a president accountable? Why oh why do Ed Henry and Chris Wallace insist on asking hard questions? Make them stop!

Then the Democrats also bat around the ill-named "Fairness Doctrine" whose primary purpose is to shut down conservative media. These juvenile attempts at controlling media are not working but one day they will and that will be the final nail in the coffin of American liberty.

Europe's Eroding Press Freedom - Hit & Run : Reason.com