FREEDOM OF THE PRESS DAY 2015

May 4 2015

​Blasphemy, freedom of expression and freedom of the press – free as long as no one is offended?

UNESCO, the Norwegian Press Association, the Association of Norwegian Editors, the Norwegian Union of Journalists, Norwegian PEN and the Fritt Ord Foundation invite the public to a seminar on Monday, 4 May, from 5.30–8.00 p.m. at the House of Literature in Oslo. The event is open to the general public.

PROGRAMME
Opening by head of the UNESCO Commission Tora Aasland and President of the Storting Olemic Thommessen

EXHIBIT OF THE CARICATURES IN THE WAKE OF CHARLIE HEBDO
Newspaper artist Roar Hagen, VG

WHAT DO WE WANT WITH FREEDOM OF THE PRESS?
Media commentator Svein Egil Omdal

THE ARAB SPRINGWHAT HAPPENED TO FREEDOM OF THE PRESS?

  • Editor Tarek Atia, Egypt Media Development Programme
  • Director Aidan White, Ethical Journalism NetworkJournalist Kristin Solberg, Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation

THE PLACE OF BLASPHEMY IN TODAY’S SOCIETY
Introduction by Philosopher Einar Øverenget, Activa Humanistic Academy

In debate with:

  • Researcher and Lawyer Anine Kierulf, Norwegian Centre for Human Rights
  • Journalist Hege Ulstein, Dagsvisen (newspaper)
  • Philosopher and Associate Professor Odin Lysaker (University of Agder)
  • Editor Helge Simonnes, Vårt Land (newspaper)

Moderator:
Hege Moe Eriksen

See Facebook event for more information.

News

In times of darkness, satire assumes a more important role

May 20 2025

“In times of darkness, when more is at stake, satire has a more important role to play,” said Marvin Halleraker as he accepted the Fritt Ord Prize for 2025, together with May Linn Clemet and Morten Mørland.

Fritt Ord's grants for master’s degrees

May 11 2025

Is your master’s project about freedom of expression, social debate or journalism? If so, you can apply for a student grant from the Fritt Ord Foundation.

The Fritt Ord Foundation Prize for 2025 goes to satirical artists May Linn Clement, Marvin Halleraker and Morten Mørland

April 29 2025

The Fritt Ord Foundation Prize for 2025 is awarded to three representatives of Norwegian satirical art for challenging public opinion by standing up to power and for their biting humour: May Linn Clement, Marvin Halleraker and Morten Mørland.

Call for nominations: Free Media Awards 2025

March 14 2025

In collaboration with the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS of Hamburg, the Fritt Ord Foundation has allocated the Free Media Awards annually since 2004 to Eastern European journalists and media that defy every obstacle to tirelessly ensure independent press coverage. Russia’s war against Ukraine and the subsequent wave of disinformation clearly demonstrates the need for independent reporting in the region. Journalist, editorial teams and media companies in and from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine and Hungary who make a contribution to press freedom through their investigative, independent reporting can be nominated for the Free Media Awards.