If you want a truly accurate and helpful public square, one capable of helping a pluralistic democratic republic survive, you have to think about the well-being of the people who make up the press.
James Madison and George Mason described a free press as the “bulwark of liberty.” And that wall will have weak spots if the people in the profession are too few in numbers — or don’t receive the support they need to deal with the tremendous pressures they face daily. When journalists’ mental health suffers, so does our democracy. It makes it more likely that the Fourth Estate, an independent check on our three branches of government, will make mistakes, lose focus or be overwhelmed in its mission. When journalists thrive, they can better analyze complex issues, ask tough questions and connect with the communities who need to be both seen and heard.
