Editorialists are leaders in guarding First Amendment.

In today's marketplace of ideas, the emphasis tends to be on the marketplace rather than the ideas.

Consider the confrontational nature of today's television talk shows. Pundits face off in a format to produce heat rather than light. It's all debate and no discussion.

Meanwhile, there's talk of eliminating ABC's "Nightline" and even the network evening newscasts. Their viewership tilts a little bit old, we're told. The pursuit of youthful demographics will inevitably trump substance.

On radio, talk shows are often marketed by political viewpoint. Listeners tune in to hear their own conservative (or liberal) opinions reinforced. Ratings are better if you don't actually challenge someone to consider an alternate point of view.

The irony is that in a nation founded on freedom of speech, we so often have distaste for it.

Is there anywhere in American society where we truly honor the spirit of the First Amendment? Is there a home for the notion that we're all better off if people of a wide range of viewpoints and faiths speak up?

Of course there is. It's called the editorial page.

As the readers of The Masthead recognize, newspaper editorial pages play a very special role in America's communities. And they do that largely by embracing all the freedoms of the First Amendment.

Witness the strongly worded letters to the editor over matters of public interest. Often these letters focus on matters of faith, including prayer in public schools, vouchers, and tolerance. Both freedom of speech and freedom of religion come into play on editorial pages virtually every day.

Freedom of the press obviously gives newspapers the right to publish editorial pages, but it also carves out a special watchdog role for the nation's news media. Editorials that question government policy and offer alternatives fulfill the vision of the Founding Fathers.

The rights of petition and assembly also are well-represented on America's editorial pages. Through op-ed columns and letters, citizens can help shape -- and sometimes shift -- public-policy decisions. Good editorial pages empower citizens.

Of course, there is a tendency in our society to take First Amendment freedoms for granted. In recent surveys by the First Amendment Center, almost 40% of those polled said they believe the First Amendment provides too much freedom. Almost 50% said there's too much freedom of the press.

There are a number of reasons for this level of hostility toward the First Amendment. The news media have fallen out of favor with many. There's also growing concern about privacy. And in the wake of September 11, people have exhibited greater willingness to trade some personal liberty for greater security.

That's why it's particularly important for newspapers to step up and make the case for free expression and government accountability. We've seen some real leadership in this area:

* Most of Florida's daily newspapers collaborated on "Sunshine Sunday" to run editorials making the case for open government. The same political impulses that endanger First Amendment freedoms are fostering legislation to take the public,s business behind closed doors. This editorial campaign was the free-press clause in action, with more than two dozen newspapers stepping up.

* Many newspapers are offering valuable perspective on editorial pages, reminding readers that even during a war on terrorism, civil liberties need to be protected.

* Many newspapers run editorials in support of freedom of press, but the best are vigilant about the other freedoms in the First Amendment. These rights are intertwined. If any fall, they all do.

* Some newspapers are taking the relatively simple step of publishing the First Amendment on a daily basis. Many Americans haven't taken the time to read it since the fourth grade. Most Americans can recite the Pledge of Allegiance, but only one in 100 can name the five freedoms of the First Amendment. It's time to change that.

The Florida "Sunshine Sunday" campaign coincided with the birthday of James Madison, the drafter of the First Amendment. It was a most appropriate salute.

Great newspapers serve as an engine for positive change in the communities they serve. The Founding Fathers gave them the fuel.

Ken Paulson, executive director of the First Amendment Center in Nashville, is participating in NCEW's September convention. An attorney, he served for 18 years as an editor and reporter. E-mail him at [e-mail]