Final answer:
The press does not have unlimited rights to go wherever they wish; freedom of the press is protected but subject to limitations like slander, libel, and national security concerns. Regulatory bodies can impose fines or revoke licenses for noncompliance, and confidential sources may need to be revealed under certain legal conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that under section 2 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the press has the right to go where they wish as long as they are doing their job, is false. While freedom of the press is a critical element of democratic societies and is protected under the First Amendment, it is not without its limitations. The press is subject to certain restrictions to prevent slander, libel, and the disclosure of sensitive information that could compromise national security or public safety. For instance, press freedom does not include the right to publish obscene materials, and indecent programs are restricted to specific hours on broadcast media. Additionally, political candidates must be given equal time for advertising and interviews on stations, and there are cases where a reporter might be compelled to reveal confidential sources in a court of law.
Examples of such limitations in the United States include the Federal Communications Commission's authority to fine or revoke broadcast licenses and the prohibition of prior restraint, barring exceptional scenarios. Judicial cases like Near v. Minnesota and the Pentagon Papers case highlight the balance between government authority and the protection of press freedoms. However, this freedom does not equate to unrestricted access to all locations for journalists; private property, classified locations, and areas requiring specific authorization can restrict press presence.