One of the great things about our nation is that the U.S. government does not “own” the news media.   Unlike some other nations, armed agents don’t burst through the doors of our TV stations and newspapers when they disagree with a story.  Journalists don’t disappear.   Instead, awards are given to those who challenge the status quo; and we often encourage people to express themselves across a variety of platforms.   For this reason, ideas and insight have flourished. [...]

Philadelphia Inquirer. There are few cities in America where traditional journalism runs deeper than in Philadelphia. This is where Benjamin Franklin almost 300 years ago bought the Pennsylvania Gazette, considered the most successful newspaper in the colonies. Today, the Philadelphia Inquirer is the third-oldest surviving newspaper in our nation, and its staff has won 18 Pulitzers. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed watching the Philadelphia literary scene flourish and change, and have been particularly attuned to [...]