Over 50 people gathered at Columbia’s Courthouse Plaza Saturday morning to attend Rally for a Free Press. The rally promoted a free, independent press and called event goers to support local media.
Rally organizer Kari Chesney said the rally was spurred on by the climate in the White House administration and its relationship with the press.
“When we don’t have a free press, that kind of goes against the very first pillar of our democracy,” Chesney said.
Jacob Davis-Hansson, another organizer of the rally, said it’s important that people are willing to pay for good journalism.
Attendees held American flags and signs, with slogans like, “Free thought, free speech, free press.” There was also a sign-up list for people interested in more events like the rally. Chesney said the list will be used to organize meet-ups with speakers brought in to discuss issues concerning journalism.