The role of a free press in a democratic society cannot be overstated. It serves as a watchdog, holding those in power accountable and giving a voice to the marginalized. However, in recent times, the media landscape has been marred by attempts to stifle the free flow of information and manipulate public opinion. In this climate, it is heartening to see organizations like the Post-Gazette standing up for the fundamental principles of journalism. As the publication’s executive editor, Keith Burris, boldly declared, “It’s extremely important that companies can’t do what the Post-Gazette is trying to do… If we have to be the last people to draw that line in the sand… so be it. We’ve been here this long, there’s no reason to go away now.”

The statement by Burris comes in the midst of a battle for journalistic integrity and the right to a free press. The Post-Gazette, a 233-year-old publication based in Pittsburgh, has been facing backlash for its decision to ban two of its journalists from covering protests in the city. This decision was made after the two journalists, Michael Santiago and Alexis Johnson, drew attention to the discrepancies in the newspaper’s coverage of the protests. Santiago, a Pulitzer Prize winner, shared a photo on social media of a Black protester kneeling in front of police officers, with the caption “