PRESS freedom is a long cherished right in most societies, as such a right is essential in a functioning democracy. This is why it attracts wide-spread support, even from people who dislike intensely how some journalists exercise that right. The law, largely through a long series of precedents, that is decisions in court cases, does not grant an absolute right to behave irresponsibly. Journalists who publish wrong information, or who hurt others without good cause, can be brought before the courts in civil actions and in certain cases can even face criminal charges, such as if they encourage others to commit violent acts.
The rise of online media has created the possibility of new solutions for legal remedies if someone believes they have been badly treated by journalists, as we have seen recently in a provisional High Court order sought by Econet against The Source, an online new agency.
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