The purpose of the Council shall be to safeguard the right of the public to information it must have to act reasonably in a free and democratic society, and to monitor the climate in which state journalism (print and broadcast) must meet their obligations to society. Additionally, the Council shall educate Colorado citizens that the protection afforded by the United States and Colorado Constitutions is a public right; government conducted in the open benefits the public interest; and a free and unfettered press is vital to the democratic process.