Way back in 1786, only 10 years after writing the Declaration of Independence, Founding Father Thomas Jefferson wrote "Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost." The news media and journalists have always been an integral part of American democracy. This fascinating book will use real-life examples and historical facts to show young readers how the media plays a key role in democracy and how that role (and the news sources themselves) has changed over our history. Provided by publisher.

Liberty of the press -- In the colonies -- Revolutionary words -- Make no law -- Greater independence -- Yellow journalists and muckrakers -- On the air -- The rise of television -- The television war -- Watergate -- On the web -- The quest continues.