The phrase “freedom of the press” is perhaps so familiar that its historical origin, and its possible meanings, can be overlooked.
The “press” to which it refers is often identified by many in England with the big-P Press of Fleet Street: the professional journalists who have “press cards” and go along to “press awards”; the very sort of people who we imagine once upon a time wore “press hats”, were inspired by Scoop, and regularly gossiped and drank at El Vinos.
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