... Having the trains run on time is important too, finds a BBC poll.
Of those interviewed, 56% thought that freedom of the press was very important to ensure a free society.
But 40% said it was more important to maintain social harmony and peace, even if it meant curbing the press's freedom to report news truthfully.
Pollsters interviewed 11,344 people in 14 countries for the survey.
In most of the 14 countries surveyed, press freedom (including broadcasting) was considered more important than social stability.
The strongest endorsement came from North America and Western Europe, where up to 70% put freedom first, followed by Venezuela, Kenya and South Africa, with over 60%.
In India, Singapore and Russia, by contrast, more people favoured stability over press freedom.
In those countries, around 48% of respondents supported controls over the press to ensure peace and stability.
Around 40% expressed the view that press freedom was more important.