Press Freedom and Globalisation - International Press Institute

Press Freedom and Globalisation
constitution made a model for press freedom in democracy: “Congress shall make no law
… abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press”. In the mid of the 20 th century John
Stuart Mill’s “Essay on Liberty” influenced further development of philosophy about press
freedom. He was concerned with plurality including the right to be wrong. Mill made basis
for the marketplace of ideas as it was termed later. In 1948 The Universal Declaration of
Human Rights made freedom of expression and press freedom to universal rights. At the
same time the press’ social responsibility was regarded as media’s democratic aim.
Growth of press freedom followed democratisation. In the beginning decision
processes were moved out of kings’ and rulers’ domains into the public spheres.
Journalism and mass media emerged out of this development and new technology. As
media and press freedom grew, everyone with access to media participated the democracy
as the press served to check government and others with power. In the process measures
favouring a free press developed in terms of constitutional support, reduced restrictions,
efficient self-regulating system, and economic conditions which ensure financial
independence. There was increased access to information, protection of sources, and
freedom to publish without permission. Freedom to publish, however, took into account
the need for self-restrictions on national security, sensitive state matters as well as
protection of privacy or some other private interests. There was also protection of
journalistic activities towards authorities, private actors or even the owners’ interference
with editorial matters.
The regions of Scandinavia and East Africa represent different practices of press
freedom. Scandinavia ranks at the top of press freedom in the world. The growth started in
the 18 th century as part of liberal trends in the Western world. The European Court of
Human Rights harmonised Scandinavian practice with Europe. Among means of press
freedom originated in Scandinavia are self-regulation, media council, media ombudsman,
and the editor as guarantor of editorial independence. Reasons for press freedom have been
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