Why are freedom of speech and freedom of the press important in American society?

Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are embedded in the First Amendment, also known as the Bill of rights, in the United States Constitution. Both are individual rights of the citizens to protect them from the government. It prevents the government from becoming tyrannical and a dictatorship. These individual rights are very important for Americans, thus freedom of speech and freedom of the press are considered very important in American society.