

The necessity — and danger — of free speech
Jul 25, 2022
In this engaging conversation, Margaret Sullivan, a media columnist for The Washington Post and author of 'Ghosting the News', dives into the complex relationship between free speech and democracy. She and Sean Illing discuss how unregulated discourse can endanger societal harmony. The challenges of misinformation and media's dual role as both an empowering force and a tool for manipulation are explored. Sullivan also highlights the evolving landscape of journalism and the urgent need for media literacy to support democratic values.
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Democracy's Paradox
- Democracy requires free speech, but this very freedom can be exploited.
- Demagogues and bad actors can undermine democratic cultures from within.
Media Disruption's Magnitude
- The internet and social media have radically changed news and how it's consumed.
- This disruption is similar to the printing press's impact, but it's faster and broader.
Democracy vs. Liberalism
- Democracy is about open communication, letting people speak freely.
- Liberalism adds constraints and protects minority rights, differing from pure democracy.