A Right to a Free Press? (Forum for Philosophy)

A free press is a fundamental pillar of a healthy democracy. It is a vehicle for free expression, informs public debate, and holds government to account. Is there a right to a free press and is this distinct from the freedom of speech of citizens in a democracy? Given the press is often accused of overstepping the mark, invading people’s privacy or publishing material that is harmful to the national interest, where might the limits of press freedom lie? We explore the nature, importance, limitations, and challenges of maintaining a free press in our digital age.

Speakers
Chandrika Kaul
Reader in Modern History, University of St Andrews

Sue Mendus
Morrell Professor Emerita in Political Philosophy, University of York

Peter Oborne
Journalist, author, and commentator

Chair
Sarah Fine
Fellow, Forum for Philosophy
Senior Lecturer in Philosophy, KCL

Co-sponsored by the Royal Institute of Philosophy