Press Freedom and Globalisation - International Press Institute

Number of new published book titles (1996) 29
Country New book titles Titles per
1000 inhabitants
Denmark 12,352 2.3
Norway 6,900 1.6
Sweden 13,496 1.6
Press Freedom and Globalisation
Internet and telecommunications have been widespread in all kinds of daily life in
Scandinavia. Figures indicate that only neighbouring Finland and the United States have a
more extensive use of internet in the world than Norway, Sweden and Denmark. 30
Journalistic capacity indicates the media’s potential power in society. The numbers
of practicing journalists and editors in Scandinavia are in Denmark 11,000, 31 in Norway
8,000, 32 and in Sweden 15,000. 33 Hence, in statistical terms, each journalist has in average
to watch about 550 citizens. 34
Four Aspects of Press Freedom in Scandinavia
The growth of press freedom can be examined in four ways. First is the role of the press
itself. Second is the process of news gathering. Third is publishing. And fourth is the
protection of journalistic activities.
29
Ibid., table 15, pp. 111-116.
30
UNESCO, World Communication and Information Report : 1999-2000, p. 271.
31
The Danish Union of Journalists, “Om DJ” (København: The Danish Union of Journalists, 2005), at:
http://www.journalistforbundet.dk/sw101.asp, downloaded 11 th March, 2005. The figures here are
calculated similar to the figures for Norway and Sweden. Denmark’s definition of ‘journalist’ is wider than
in Norway and Sweden.
32
Estimate made by Jahn-Arne Olsen, Secretary-General of The Norwegian Union of Journalists, in
correspondance by e-mail received 3 rd March, 2005.
33
Estimate made by Hans Kilsved, Secretary-General of The Swedish Union of Journalists, in
correspondance by e-mail received 3 rd March, 2005.
34
Number of inhabitants from: Microsoft, Encarta Interactive World Atlas 2000 (Redmond, Washington:
Microsoft, 1999), CD-rom.
65