ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Media independence

Media independence means that journalists and media outlets can choose what stories they report on and how they report them, no matter what others think. It also means that journalists don't have to worry about outsiders telling them what to write or say. Think about it like this: an independent reporter is like a kid in school who can pick their own lunch and decide what clothes to wear. They make their own choices without anyone else telling them what to do.