Recently, newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump has been questioning and bashing the media for its reporting of his administration.

Trump calls the media that has done its job by asking the hard questions “fake news.”

Just this past week, the White House barred The New York Times and CNN from press briefings.

I don’t know about you, but I find Trump’s criticism and excluding media outlets from briefings alarming.

Local, state, national and international media serve a viable purpose by delving into controversies and issues and delivering a story that informs the public. Without these media outlets, Americans would be clueless and uninformed.

I admit, today’s visual media (TV news networks) often take on an entertainment element. It can be less about the reporting of facts and more about presenting one side’s “expert” to debate the other side’s “expert.”

Despite visual media becoming more entertainment based the last decade or two, the news it delivers remains an important part of public discourse.

Who gets to decide the legitimacy of the media? Is it the POTUS? Our Senate and Congressional representatives? Business leaders? The wealthy?

None of the above.

The news media is often referred to as the fourth estate. It’s ultimate purpose is to ensure the public is informed of the happenings within the community.

No one can silence President Trump; however, is it acceptable - ethically, morally and legally - for the president to silence the media?

Despite your political leanings, all media offers the public the opportunity to learn something new, ask questions among the citizenry, question government leaders and spark debate.

One of the bright, shining attributes of American democracy and our U.S. Constitution is free speech.

Let’s ensure the media continues to be protected by free speech elements, so we remain a democracy and not a dictatorship.