The positive obligation of the state i̇n ensuring the press freedom

Press has been subject to many effects which have given the form it has today. During the historical process in which the press has been developed it is well understood that an independent press is essential for the protection of our individual freedoms, as well as that the freedom of the press is one of the fundamental pillars of a free society. On the other hand, in this process there agreed on by free societies not only the responsibilities to be atributed to the press but also the obligations to be undertaken by the governments for the protection of freedom of the press. This study is aimed to explore the role and the obligations of the state in the protection and the realisation of the freedom of the press. Thus the government's role in ensuring the freedom of the press is twofold: One is the negative obligation of the state which means the State's abstention from interference with the rights and freedoms of the press. The second is the positive obligation of the state which means that the government should create an environment in which the freedom can be realised as far as possible. Indeed, the realisation of the freedom of the press is strongly tied up with the positive obligations to be undertaken by the governments. In this study, it will be explored that these two obligations cannot be separated from each other in the realisation of the freedom of the press.