A vital and independent press is essential to the functioning of democracy. In recent years, media concentration has accelerated. This has resulted in the closing down of many domestic and foreign bureaus and a sharp reduction in the number of working reporters. In pursuit of a juicy tidbit, too many journalists today cozy up to power. They take pride in being called on by their first name at presidential news conferences. They play golf and tennis with high administration officials and are invited to all the important dinner parties. We need a press that will hold the feet of the mighty to the fire and not drink cabernet sauvignon with them. Citizens are ill served by lapdogs with laptops.

John Pilger
John Pilger is a leading journalist and documentary filmmaker. He's twice won British journalism's highest award, that of Journalist of the Year. His latest book is "New Rulers of the World." His documentaries are seen all over the world but rarely in the US. His most recent film is "Palestine is Still the Issue."