About the project
This study was a continuation of a broader project called "The state of freedom of speech in Norway – the Freedom of expression foundation’s monitor project", which was carried out by Institute for Social Research (ISF), in cooperation with IMK, FAFO, TNS Gallup and lawyer Jon Wessel-Aas, in 2013-2014.
In the first round of the project, we addressed the issue of freedom of speech from a variety of perspectives, focusing on the preconditions of freedom of speech, freedom of speech in light of multiculturalism, digitalization and shifting media structures, security, control and surveillance and the terms of freedom of speech in the labour market.
Objectives
In this second round of the project we explored more in depth the dynamics of public debate, focusing on the key actors in defining public discussions as well as on the normative processes regulating which opinions and ‘voices’ are expressed in the public and which are silenced.
The project had three parts:
- First, we investigated whether Norwegian journalists and the general Norwegian public’s attitudes toward freedom of speech have changed in light of the terror attacks in Paris and Copenhagen in 2015.
- Second, we studied the development in media discussions about religion, migration and freedom of speech in the period from the cartoon debate in 2006 to today, paying particular attention to the opinions expressed by editors and journalists.
- Third, we focued on three groups that are particularly exposed to critique and harassment in public debates; politicians, ethnic and religious minorities and right-wing opponents of migration and Islam.
The project has its own homepage (in Norwegian) with updates on news, publications and events.
Duration
April 2015 to May 2017.
Financing
The Freedom of Expression foundation (Fritt ord).