Press Freedom and Globalisation - International Press Institute

Press Freedom and Globalisation
individual role in a democracy. If people decide leadership by ballots, they need free
information to select and vote for candidates. Such a system trusts in the enlightened and
rational man. On the other hand, a free press will be the channel of information to the
leaders. Media’s critical attention to a wide range of issues ensure that the leaders are well
informed about society’s needs. Since freedom of expression is meant to move conflicts
from use of force and violence to debates, the youth in Scandinavia are raised and
socialised to be democratic and to consider the interests of the minority. A free and open
press may be means to ensure the interests of the minorities, to ensure plurality. In these
circumstances a free press is supposed to legitimatise democratic decision-making
processes. 23
Thirdly, individual liberty is a basic value in a liberal society. Such an equal right to
freedom of expression was the major concern when constitutions were written, influenced
by French and English philosophy. Later, the Scandinavian societies changed. Practice in
the countries’ Supreme Courts as well as in the European Commission and Court of
Human Rigths indicates that democratic arguments are superior to individual liberal rights.
Therefore, political expressions are supposed to be protected more than, for instance,
information about privacy. In Scandinavia there is debate about balancing public interests
with privacy. 24
Press freedom is protected from at least three forces. These are interference from
government, external private forces, and the owner’s commercial interests. In searching for
freedom from such forces, a paradox has arisen. Editors sought alliance with legislators to
increase the legal protection of editorial independence from their own owners. Another
effort to reduce owners’ influence is to ensure spreading of media ownerships. 25
23 Ibid., pp. 55-80.
24 Ibid., pp. 80-87.
25 Ibid., pp. 604-611; and Eide, Den redigerende makt, pp. 115-118.
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