How Goes the Ship of Free Speech?

Welcome to Episode 19 of Light On Light Through in which we consider How Goes the Ship of Free Speech? The ancient Greeks called it parrhesia, and loved it so much they named ships after it.  How is the ship of free expression faring in our world today?  Well, here in the U.S.A., as we near the anniversary of Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction" during Superbowl halftime several years ago, the answer is: not so good.  The FCC has levied record fines against broadcasters deemed to have presented objectionable material.  Both parties in Congress have cried out for larger fines, and extension of FCC control to cable.  All of this in the face of our First Amendment, which clearly says "Congress shall make no law ... abridging freedom of speech..."  The one bit of good news?  We have podcasting, which so far has been beyond anyone's ability to control...

And speaking of podcasting, and looking at the bright side, I talk about various projects I'm happy to be involved in with Shaun Farrell, and Tee Morris, at the end of this episode...

Helpful links:

1. I debate Brent Bozell about free speech.  He was head of the Parents Television Council - which, according to Todd Shield's article in the December 04 Mediaweek, was responsible for 50% of the complaints received by the FCC about the Janet Jackson "costume reveal". 


2. Athenian triremes named after abstract concepts (such as free speech)

Enjoy...

Paul

web: http://paullevinson.infoblog: http://paullevinson.blogspot.com

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