On Press: The Liberal Values That Shaped the News by Matthew Pressman

When discussing the history of journalism, Matthew Pressman’s book ‘On Press: The Liberal Values That Shaped the News’ provides essential insights into how the press evolved over time and its influence on political discourse in America. The book tells the story of the individuals who shaped the industry and the impact of the liberal values with which it was imbued – values that have, despite criticism and opposition, held strong in the face of politics, financial pressures, and technological change.

As Pressman explains, the emergence of the press was part of a broader social and political upheaval of the 19th century, which saw the development of liberal ideas and ideals, now central to democratic societies in America and around the world. The press became a crucial tool for disseminating these ideas on a large scale and was closely associated with the progressive reforms they catalyzed — advocating for civil rights, ending slavery, and developing democracies and representative government.

At the same time, the press provided an avenue for individuals to voice their opinions, seek justice, and speak for those who could not speak for themselves — an ideal that the liberal values of the press have preserved and protected throughout its growth and evolution. From pamphleteers and newspapers to print, broadcast, and digital media, the press has provided a viable and powerful platform for citizens to express their ideas and demand justice and progress.

While the press has continuously embraced and lived up to these liberal values, it has also been forced to balance them with strong ties to commercial interests and corporate ownership, while facing criticism and opposition from those in power. As Pressman explains, the liberal values of the press sometimes clash with corporate and financial imperatives — forcing difficult decisions to be made about editorial content and the coverage of certain topics.

Nevertheless, Pressman also outlines strategies for overcoming this challenge through effective public policy and journalism and advocating for transparency and integrity in media. The work of individuals and organizations, such as the nonprofit Journalism Project of the American Press Institute, have enabled the liberal values of the press to better integrate with the wealth of technological developments and commercial pressures of the modern media.

For those interested in understanding the history and influence of the press, Pressman’s ‘On Press: The Liberal Values That Shaped the News’ is an essential read. The book provides a detailed and in-depth account of the people, ideas, and events that shaped the press — and how its liberal values have remained an integral part of the news despite considerable pressure and criticism throughout its history. As Pressman writes, it is crucial to preserve these values in order to hold leaders to account, ensure justice and progress, and protect a vibrant democracy.