In Britain self-censorship with market and readership in mind denies all but the most devout news-addict important stories, writes Jonathan Lindsell.
British news blind spots: Omission and obscurity
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CATEGORY: Politics and Society
New law could force Ugandans to love their country
The soon to be tabled Patriotism Bill would require every Ugandan to, among other things, support all government development programs and defend national property. Edward Ronald Sekyewa reports
Anything that stands in the way of a prisoner reading is wrong
Writer Ian Dunt, editor of politics.co.uk, and cartoonist Ben Jennings share their thoughts about the prison books ban.
Egypt: Secularists and conservatives battle over music videos
In a move that has sparked concern among Egyptian secularists, the country’s censorship committee this week banned 20 music videos allegedly containing “heavy sexual connotations” and featuring “scantily-dressed female singers and models”, Shahira Amin writes
Qatar bills itself as a “bastion of free speech”
Freedom of speech clashing with commercial concerns has been an ongoing theme for many media and internet companies operating on an international stage, but it’s rare that a country’s liberal approach to expression is presented, in itself, as a prime investment opportunity. Alastair Sloan reports
Tackling the legacy of the 1994 genocide: Media reform in Rwanda
In the years that have followed the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, the peace that has emerged is one defined by consolidated state control. But as Nicholas Williams explains, media reforms may change that.
In Ecuador the battle for the truth continues
President Rafael Correa’s recent attack on El Universo newspaper for printing a satirical cartoon, marks a dangerous precedent for Ecuador’s media, writes Jack Gilbert
India: Turning back the clock on freedom of expression
In India, the state and private petitioners have equally exploited India’s penal code to harass, censor or silence individuals. Ram Mashru reports
Independent News becomes an oxymoron in South Africa
In what seems like a purge, South Africa’s Independent News and Media (INM) group is shedding many of its foremost journalists and commentators. Simultaneously, the company’s newspapers have stepped up coverage of the personal ruminations of its new chairperson, Dr Iqbal Survé. Christi van der Westhuizen reports
Vague legislation leaves Turkish journalists vulnerable
Conflict, corruption and corporate power mean that Turkey’s media workers can easily find themselves on the wrong side of the law, says Selina Bieber