First it was the Federal Trade Commission with its December 2009 seminar on “How will journalism survive the Internet age?” Now along comes the Federal Communications Commission with a new Web site and associated activities organized around the theme of “The future of media and the information needs of communities in a digital age.” The focus of both agencies’ initiatives is what government can do to “help” the traditional print and broadcast media compete in the Internet era. Thus, federal bureaucrats bid to see who will regulate what is reported about government and how. After 220 years of freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment, America’s independent press could be about to get an offer somebody thinks it can’t refuse.

The offer will be dressed up, of course, as a product of the bureaucrats’ sincere concern for the survival of the mainstream media, preservation of high-quality journalism, and ensuring that “the news and informational needs of diverse communities” are fully met. But no matter how the wolf dresses up his offer, Little Red Riding Hood knows better than to take it. Unfortunately, when it comes to understanding where these offers of official help inevitably lead, some of today’s journalistic leaders aren’t as savvy as Little Red Riding Hood. So herewith is a refresher course in why the Founders banned Congress from making any law concerning freedom of the press.