media and freedom of speech
Uploaded by tanaya on Nov 06, 2012
Introduction :
“It is important for people to learn about the freedom of speech and expression and the power of media speech in order to create a culture of media in India and to combine them to some of the most fundamental aspects of our democratic society to create a balance."
Freedom of speech and expression is a natural right. The history of this freedom goes way back to when John Milton urged, “Give me the liberty to know, to utter and argue freely according to conscience above all liberties. Since then, the freedom of speech and expression has become a fundamental mantra to realize democratic aspirations. Almost all constitutions of democratic nations have given the prime place for the right to free speech. The whole concept of Freedom of Speech has generally evolved into a freedom of expression. But why is freedom of speech or expression so important? Of course because it is our constitutional right. More over it promotes and encourages the free flow of ideas from which our democracy was formed. It also promotes important ideas and ideals, uncovering the truth and making the leaders accountable for their actions. It opens the minds of the speakers, and the listeners to different views and ideas. Apart from some historical speeches that changed the course of history and had withstood the test of time like that of Martin Luther king (I have a dream) or that of Patrick Henry’s famous statement “Give me liberty, or give me death”, it is also important for the individual dignity, participation and accountability in democracy.
“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”. Says declaration of human rights by United Nation.
"The free communication of ideas and opinions is one of the most precious of the rights of man. Every citizen may, accordingly, speak, write, and print with freedom, but shall be responsible for such abuses of this freedom as shall be defined by law"- declaration of the rights of man and the citizen
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Every constitution has an article referring to the freedom of speech and expression. Freedom of expression has always been emphasized as an essential basis for the democratic functioning of a society. The reasons for this are- the right of an individual to self-fulfillment, the inherent democratic...