The development of a free and vibrant press is a key aspect of modern society, and its roots are often tied to foundational government policies. A prime example of this can be seen in the British experience. The British press is sophisticated and highly developed. To understand how this came to be, we need to look back to its origins. It came into being in the 18th century. This period was crucial because freedom of speech has been encouraged by the British policy since then. It actively fostered a new culture of public debate and information sharing. The new policy empowered ordinary citizens. People could talk about anything in public places, such as in coffee houses or on streets. There they read newspapers and talked about politics, government policies and military matters. This was revolutionary. The fact that everyday people could openly critique the government and debate national issues in a public forum is a great sign of public freedom.