

Best of: The necessity — and danger — of free speech
5 snips Dec 19, 2022
Margaret Sullivan, a media columnist for The Washington Post and former public editor of The New York Times, dives into the complex relationship between free speech and democracy. She discusses the potential dangers of misinformation and authoritarianism and the role of media in fostering or undermining democratic values. Sullivan highlights the need for media literacy and the revival of local journalism, while reflecting on the impact of the January 6th hearings and the evolving challenges to free speech in today's polarized landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Democracy's recurring pattern
- Current online chaos mirrors disruptions in earlier media shifts.
- These disruptions are historically common, not a unique precipice.
Double-Edged Media
- Revolutions in communication drive both positive and negative changes.
- New media technologies like Facebook have unpredictable outcomes.
Democracy vs. Liberalism
- Democracy is an open communication culture, not just institutions or processes.
- Liberalism adds constraints, like minority rights and rule of law, to protect democracy.