Part 3/6:
Emphasizing the critical role of media, Hillyard passionately stated, “A country without a continuing free media is a country that is going to lose its democracy and its soul.” He underscored that public broadcasting serves as a guardian of democracy, amplifying the principles embedded in the First Amendment, which guarantees freedoms concerning speech, press, assembly, and religious practice.
In his reflections, Hillyard noted that in regions undergoing revolution, the first institutions to be seized are media organizations—radio and television stations. He explained that these platforms hold tremendous power in influencing public opinion and shaping societal emotions, making them vital for the health of democracy.