Ytringsfrihet_Hovedrapport_DIG

Summary
6
In Chapter 10 Sissel C. Trygstad and Anne Mette Ødegård analyze the
conditions for whistleblowing as seen from the side of Norwegian employees.
Based on data from the population survey, the authors examine the amount
of whistleblowing, and whether whistleblowing is conceived as a system
that functions according to its intentions and whether it leads to a result. The
study confirms results from other studies by showing that there is a relatively
high degree of whistleblowing activity among Norwegian employees. Still, a
significant proportion of employees who become aware of critical issues, do
not blow the whistle, and many experience that whistleblowing has no effect.
The presence of formalized routines for whistleblowing significantly enhances
the potential for whistleblowing and for positive effects of taking action. Based
on this analysis the authors raise the question of whether the rights related to
whistleblowing have served to expand the freedom of expression of employees.
The report concludes by a reflection upon the sum of findings in the different
chapters, and puts forward a tentative conclusion about the status for the
freedom of speech in Norway at the current time.
Among the major processes that may have enhanced the conditions for
the freedom of speech during the past 15 years is the legal affirmation of the
freedom of the press, and the opening up for participation in public debate by
large groups of the population. As part of this, the study of elite speakers within
the minority population indicates a shift towards a greater plurality of voices, and
the opening up of a larger spectrum of possible positions for both ethnic and
religious minorities. Likewise, perspectives taken from the media itself indicate
that these are in the process of adapting to a new environment. The study of
the handling of religious criticism within Norwegian media houses show that
even though religious criticism is contentious and difficult to handle, the media
believe that they have obtained more wisdom and maturity in such matters since
the time of the Mohammed Cartoons. Also when it comes to the direct impact
of digitalization, interviews with representatives of the media houses suggest
that even though the opening up of mass media’s own platforms for the public
through commentary fields comes with a range of challenges, it is also seen as
something that enables established media to better fill the role as an infrastructure
for the freedom of speech in society. Depending on positions, many media
houses also see potentials for the enhancement of critical journalism as part of
digitalization.
On the other hand, the report points out a set of challenges to the freedom
of expression in Norway at the current time, both linked to the effects of digitalization
and to global and cultural change. In the area of law, the report argues
that the enhancement of press freedom the past 15 years risks to be undermined
by expansions of law enforcement and intelligence authorities’ powers
to conduct various forms of secret surveillance in electronic communication.
Status for ytringsfriheten i Norge – Fritt Ords monitorprosjekt