"I can't think of a time that the U.S. government asked us or instructed us not to report or air something"

This quote by Jim Walton suggests that the U.S. government has actually not attempted to censor or restrict the media in any way. This suggests that the government respects the flexibility of the press and does not interfere with the media's capability to report on newsworthy events. This is an important point, as it suggests that the government is not trying to manage the story or control the general public's perception of occasions. It likewise suggests that the government is not trying to hide any info from the general public, which is necessary for a working democracy. This quote is a testament to the value of a totally free press and the federal government's commitment to promoting the First Amendment.