Public Order Act to stop free press (10)

I believe the answer is:

spectators

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'public order act to stop free press' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'order act to stop free press' is the wordplay.
'order' indicates an anagram.
'stop' indicates putting letters inside (stopping can mean blocking a gap).
'free' indicates an anagram.
'act'+'to'='actto'
'actto' anagrammed gives 'ctato'.
'press' with letters rearranged gives 'spers'.
'ctato' put within 'spers' is 'SPECTATORS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spectators that I've seen before include "Viewers" , "Witnesses" , "Those watching" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.