In the debate over digital technology having an effort to defend and improve press and broadcasting freedom, it is important to refer to the saga of the danish cartoons which were published in Jyllands Posten, danemark’s largest newspaper. When they were published in 2005, there was widespread hostility amongst muslims to the danish cartoons and many danish embassies were sacked across the muslim world. the british media to some extent practicised a kind of self censorship, describing the cartoons, but never actually depicting them. This was in stark contrast to many countries of europe which did publish the cartoons in 2005. However, in 2008, with a plot to assasinate the danish cartoonist being uncovered in danemark, Jyllands posten again reprinted the danish cartoons. Again, there have been protests in the muslim world, and again the british media has refused to publish the cartoons, preferring to describe them.
This self censorship by the british media could be argued to limit press freedom, as even though the cartoons could be construed as being offensive, it is very much a matter of personal taste as to whether we live in a free and open society which tolerates diverging opinoins which may be offensive to certain minority groups.
However, on the internet, press freedom is unlimited, on the gay patriot website, the cartoons are easily accessible
The comments accompanying this photo may be judged to be racist by certain sectors of society, however, the essential point that needs to be made is that the internet – digital technology is allowing people to see images or words that may be considered offensive by the majority. It is also important to note a crucial distinction between carictureures and images that cause people real harm. the caricutures caused offence and lead to a widespread anti danish and anti european backlash amongst some muslims. it could be argued that Jyllands posten has a long history of anti minority feeling, it is supporting of the current danish goverment and its ally in the danish parliament, the danish people’s party. It also praised Hitler and called the jews a ‘problem in german society’. therefore, it could be stated that Jyllands Posten is continuing the tradition of whipping up anti immigrant sentiment, or exposing fear of the ‘other’ to gain circulation. However, the internet is enabling UK audiences to view caricutureal images that the mainstream media either does not want to show or is uncomfortable about showing. Therefore, it could be argued that press freedoms are being enhanced by the internet.
Therefore
