Understanding Freedom of Expression and Press Responsibility
Explore the complexities surrounding freedom of expression, press censorship, harm principles, confirmation bias, platforming, and the right to offend in media and society.
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https://cartoonmovement.com/collection/freedom-expression FREEDOM OF THE PRESS AND ITS LIMITS: THE RIGHT TO SPEAK OUT AND THE RESPONSIBILITY TO INFORM ASPG CONFERENCE 2023, PERTH
Background and context We have never had more mass media outlets than we have today Diversity of information is welcome, but quality of information is in question left and right perspectives seek to restrict information Left: concerns over racism, prejudices against minorities Right: concerns over children, national security
The Harm Principle A Liberal Justification for Press Censorship The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not sufficient warrant. -John Stuart Mill, On Liberty
The Harm Principle What constitutes harm? Defining harm to others Minimalist: Physical harm Interventionist: Offending people Harming people s prospects
Harm is in the eye of the beholder.. Confirmation bias Our tendency to select information, or interpret it in certain ways, so as to confirm our existing beliefs and assumptions Affirmation bias Affirming our existing beliefs by pointing to examples which reinforce them
Platforming Providing someone with the opportunity to communicate their views through one or more media platforms Conflating the process of airing someone s views with endorsement Does simply airing a view constitute harm?
Offending others The right to offend is integral to the right to freedom of expression Defamation as a weapon in authoritarian regimes BUT is gratuitous offence really a healthy thing? Piss-Christ exhibition Mohammad cartoons
Freedom of the press and the courts Do media campaigns interfere with legal processes? Rape allegations levelled by Brittney Higgins Russell Brand allegations
Ethics and Journalism To what extent would these be enforable, and who (if anyone) should enforce them? Accuracy Independence Impartiality Privacy The public interest Truth in advertising Integrity Accountability
