報 道(ほうどう)の自 由(じゆう)

ほうどうのじゆう

noun

freedom of the press; press freedom

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(ほうどう)の自由(じゆう)は民主主義(みんしゅしゅぎ)の基本(きほん)だ。

Freedom of the press is fundamental to democracy.

その国(くに)では報道(ほうどう)の自由(じゆう)が制限(せいげん)されている。

In that country, press freedom is restricted.

報道(ほうどう)の自由(じゆう)とプライバシーの保護(ほご)のバランスをどう取(と)るかが議論(ぎろん)されている。

There is debate about how to balance press freedom with the protection of privacy.

Composed of 報道(ほうどう) (news reporting) + の (possessive) + 自由(じゆう) (freedom). A set political and legal phrase.

Common collocations

報道(ほうどう)の自由(じゆう)を守(まも)る: to protect press freedom
報道(ほうどう)の自由(じゆう)が脅(おびや)かされる: press freedom is threatened
報道(ほうどう)の自由(じゆう)ランキング: press freedom ranking
報道(ほうどう)の自由(じゆう)の侵害(しんがい): violation of press freedom

Cultural note

Japan's 報道(ほうどう)の自由(じゆう) ranking by Reporters Without Borders (国境(こっきょう)なき記者(きしゃ)団(だん)) has been a topic of public debate, as Japan's ranking has fluctuated significantly. Issues cited include the press club (記者(きしゃ)クラブ) system, government pressure on media, and self-censorship.

RELATED 〜の自由(じゆう) PHRASES:

表現(ひょうげん)の自由(じゆう): freedom of expression
言論(げんろん)の自由(じゆう): freedom of speech
信教(しんきょう)の自由(じゆう): freedom of religion
学問(がくもん)の自由(じゆう): academic freedom

Related Words

Related: 言論(げんろん)の自由(じゆう) (freedom of speech (verbal/written))

Related: 表現(ひょうげん)の自由(じゆう) (freedom of expression (broader))

general

Added 2026.4.18 23:35 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

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