The primary political function of the free press is to act as a "watchdog" warning against abuses of power by the ruling elite. As the "fourth estate," the US press is expected to serve as a source of substantial information for citizens about political, social, and economic issues, to keep a critical eye on public officials and watch over the general public's interests, and to provide a forum for free and honest debate. In contrast, the other perspective is one that views the press as a "lapdog," a close companion of established power. According to this perspective, rather than serve as...