JN204 Lecture Notes - Hate Speech, John Stuart Mill, Liberal Democracy
Document Summary
General historical look at freedom of expression is the cornerstone idea in democracy for journalists. Late 18th and early 19th century newspapers were partisan- political mouthpieces for certain parties. The included lots of invective and scathing reports about politicians, magistrates and other public figures. Nothing in common with todays newspapers except for how they look. Reporters and publishers could be sued successfully for writing negative things about public figures, regardless of whether or not they were true. Because it was deemed malicious and that it was in print alone was a bad thing. Modern newspapers in the 20th century newspapers came to see themselves as independent agents with a duty to safeguard and promote public interest. Freedom of the press came to be seen as a cornerstone of a liberal democracy. The press enjoys the same freedom as any member of the public. Press freedom is simply an extension of freedom of speech.
