Press Freedom

[Dave A]

I think in the age of social networking, cellphone network communications, freedom of the Press is not as important as it was in the past.

The trouble with social networking / social media is there isn't any significant pre-publication editorial control, which means most often information isn't up to "journalism" standards. (And yes, I concede that even "journalism" standards may vary and at times be of exceptionally dubious standard).

The hard fact of the matter is that while social networking / social media makes it very hard to suppress inconvenient truths, it's also very hard to suppress flagrant fiction too. Overall, this makes social media somewhat unreliable as a replacement for more structured news media.

I really think we need both, and would see the demise of serious journalism via mainstream media structures as a significant loss to modern society.

[Blurock]

What are your views on the Wikileaks and the latest disclosures by Snowden? Heros or rogues?

Are these guys acting in the interest of the people, who should be fully informed of everything their government does at all times, or are they actually assisting the forces of evil who are threatening the free world?

[Dave A]

What are your views on the Wikileaks and the latest disclosures by Snowden? Heros or rogues?

Speaking for myself, a bit of both, probably - although I've yet to make up my mind on the true importance of Snowden's revelations in the grand scheme of things.

[polpak]

Countries with small problems turning them into bigger problems when try restrict online public discussion.

Even China seems find responding, perhaps addressing, complaints is easier and cheaper than eliminating complaints.