Freedom of Press | Avani Gautam | TEDxMLZS Gwalior Youth
TEDx Talks·2025-10-10 14:22

Freedom of Press Advocacy - The speaker emphasizes the critical role of a free press in ensuring citizens are informed and able to make informed choices in a democracy [1][2] - The speech highlights instances of press suppression in various countries, including Bangladesh (where over 160 journalists lost press passes), Turkey (where reporters were deported), Hong Kong (where editors were jailed), and India (where a BBC documentary was blocked) [2] - The speaker argues that suppressing the press leads to a society where citizens are uninformed and unable to hold leaders accountable [2] Call to Action - The speaker urges the audience to be curious about information, responsible in sharing it, and courageous in speaking the truth [4] - The speech encourages individuals to analyze information critically, question its sources, and avoid spreading unverified rumors [4] - The speaker advocates for standing up against wrongdoing and supporting those who report the truth, even in the face of threats or opposition [5] Examples and Analogies - The speaker uses the analogy of a WhatsApp group to illustrate how easily misinformation can spread and how important it is to verify information before believing it [2] - The speaker shares a personal anecdote about concealing a sibling's mistake to highlight the importance of telling the truth, even in small matters [3] - The speech references the courage of reporters in Myanmar (Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo) and Belarus who faced imprisonment and threats for reporting on sensitive issues [4]