Does ‘free speech’ even exist?
Episode 72 of the Media Confidential podcast, hosted by Prospect Magazine, titled "Does ‘free speech’ even exist?" was published on May 29, 2025 and runs 41 minutes.
May 29, 2025 ·41m · Media Confidential
Summary
This week, Alan and Lionel are joined by historian Fara Dabhoiwala to discuss his new book What is Free Speech?They discuss how the concept of “free speech” came about—and how the notion has always been weaponised. They also analyse the role of media and social media companies and answer: are broadcasters responsible for everything shared on their platforms?And after being called out in a speech, Alan responds to right-wing media baron Paul Marshall, who recently lamented the problems with today’s media landscape. Plus, the hosts reflect on the passing of presenter Alan Yentob.Fara’s book ‘What is Free Speech? The history of a dangerous idea’ is out now Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode Description
This week, Alan and Lionel are joined by historian Fara Dabhoiwala to discuss his new book What is Free Speech?They discuss how the concept of “free speech” came about—and how the notion has always been weaponised.
They also analyse the role of media and social media companies and answer: are broadcasters responsible for everything shared on their platforms?
And after being called out in a speech, Alan responds to right-wing media baron Paul Marshall, who recently lamented the problems with today’s media landscape.
Plus, the hosts reflect on the passing of presenter Alan Yentob.
Fara’s book ‘What is Free Speech? The history of a dangerous idea’ is out now
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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