BBC in partnership with WNYC Radio
MUMBAI:The BBC has teamed up with WNYC radio, its largest broadcast partner in New York, for a critical debate on freedom of speech as part of Free to Speak - BBC World Services season of programmes marking its 75th anniversary.The debate is being held at Columbia University`s Graduate School of Journalism, where the President of Columbia University Lee Bollinger, Professor Catharine MacKinnon, journalist Judith Miller and libel lawyer John Walsh will be discussing Is it ever right to limit free speech? in front of an invited audience of academics, lawyers, journalists and human rights activists.
The Free to Speak season of programmes looks at the challenges facing BBC World Service and other media organisations around the world. It hears from the professionals and legislators, from audiences across the globe and from the leaders and decision-makers ?“ current and future ?“ who are shaping access to information.
Nigel Chapman, Director of BBC World Service, said: In 75 years we have seen a massive change in the way media operates and in the way people want to access news and information. We will ask whether freedom of the media is a reality or an unachievable aspiration and how far it benefits societies. And as we mark our 75th birthday and invite the world to celebrate with us, we look forward to meeting the new challenges for the benefit of all our global audiences.
In New York, the BBC will debate the challenges to free speech in a post-9/11 world and ask how issues of national security, libel, hate speech, press freedom, religious intolerance and anti-pornography campaigning all confront the ideals of the First Amendment of the American Constitution.
Chris Bannon, Program Director for WNYC Radio, said: We look forward to celebrating the BBCs 75th Anniversary with a debate on what is at the very core of journalism ?“ the role of freedom of speech in reporting news.
Is it ever right to limit free speech? debate will be recorded by WNYC.
Monday, 3 December at 7pm at Columbia University ?“ Graduate School of Journalism
