Freedom of the Media in a Democratic State

The aim of the article is to study what is media freedom; in particular, should the freedom of the media be undermined in the realities of independent states at all. In order to be able to take any consideration in the mentioned matter, we should first answer the question to what media freedom we refer to. We can understand it as the freedom of specific institutions or individuals involved in media activities. We can also understand it broadly as freedom to reject or accept any restrictions of a philosophical, ideological, moral or religious nature. The research methodology consists in using such methods as study, analysis and generalization with the purpose of discussion about media freedom should start with the realization that it is closely related to the general, philosophical discussion about the criteria of freedom and is exposed not only to limitations, but also to abuse. All mentioned areas are interrelated in a certain way – the freedom of the individual involved in the media depends on the principles of the freedom of the institution with which he is bound. Freedom of institutions leads to freedom of the media in general, freedom of artistic expression, and finally freedom of speech. It is impossible to talk about freedom, including freedom of the media, without considering the value systems adopted in a particular state, social environment or a specific structure. In many place sit differs significantly, what creates the need to formulate some general ethical principles that would allow to distinguish necessary from unauthorized interference in the independence of media.