President Obama stresses of free press amidst attack over liberal ideas across the world

US President Barack Obama has underlined the importance of a free press when liberal ideals and independent media are under attack across the world. At his final White House correspondents' dinner, Mr Obama said that a free press is needed more than ever in this age when liberal democracies are under attack and when notions of objectivity and of free press, were being undermined.

The speech, heavily laced with jokes and satire, lasted for more than 30 minutes and he acknowledged that the institutions of media and governance are at times



at variance.

The President said that taking a stand on behalf of what is true is the essence of good journalism. He said that real journalists uncover the horrifying scandal and brought some measure of justice for thousands of victims around the world.

Mr Obama said, he can make this commitment that as long as he holds this office his administration will continue to fight for the release of American journalists held against their will. Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra and Hollywood celebrities also attended the event.