1.
freedom of the press; the right of the media to report news without government restriction
The principle that the news media should be free to gather and publish information without censorship or interference from the government. A foundational concept in democratic societies, protected in Japan under Article 21 of the Constitution.
報道の自由は民主主義の基本だ。
Freedom of the press is fundamental to democracy.
その国では報道の自由が制限されている。
In that country, press freedom is restricted.
報道の自由とプライバシーの保護のバランスをどう取るかが議論されている。
There is debate about how to balance press freedom with the protection of privacy.
Composed of 報道 (news reporting) + の (possessive) + 自由 (freedom). A set political and legal phrase.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 報道の自由を守る: to protect press freedom
- 報道の自由が脅かされる: press freedom is threatened
- 報道の自由ランキング: press freedom ranking
- 報道の自由の侵害: violation of press freedom
CULTURAL CONTEXT:
Japan's 報道の自由 ranking by Reporters Without Borders (国境なき記者団) has been a topic of public debate, as Japan's ranking has fluctuated significantly. Issues cited include the press club (記者クラブ) system, government pressure on media, and self-censorship.
RELATED 〜の自由 PHRASES:
- 表現の自由: freedom of expression
- 言論の自由: freedom of speech
- 信教の自由: freedom of religion
- 学問の自由: academic freedom