Newspapers across the United States, including more than a dozen in Florida, are pushing back against President Donald Trump’s attacks on what he calls “fake news” with a series of coordinated editorials defending the free press in this country.
The idea began with The Boston Globe, which estimates more than 350 news outlets are participating, including more than a dozen in Florida. On today’s show we’re joining that effort, and exploring the role the free press plays in our democracy, and the protections it’s afforded by our Constitution. We’re joined by Betty Wells, Fort Myers Senior Editor for Florida Weekly, Tom Hayden, Senior Engagement Editor at the News Press, Kellie Burns, Evening Anchor at NBC-2, and Florida Southwestern State College professor of journalism Ron Feemster.
Just a sample of the sad scene we faced at the Trump rally in Tampa. I’m very worried that the hostility whipped up by Trump and some in conservative media will result in somebody getting hurt. We should not treat our fellow Americans this way. The press is not the enemy. pic.twitter.com/IhSRw5Ui3R
— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) August 1, 2018
