The public debate on freedom of expression is distinguished by strong opinions and numerous warnings. There is growing unrest about freedom of expression as the foundation of truth-seeking, knowledge, democracy and the formation of opinion. Among the challenges to be discussed are the polarisation of debates, hate talk, the dynamics of bullying on social media, and the dissemination of disinformation and fake news.

But what do we really know about the status of freedom of expression in Norway today?

Fritt Ord and the Institute for Social Research (ISF) invite the public to an open meeting to mark the start of a new round of the Fritt Ord Foundation’s Monitoring Project: The Status of Freedom of Expression in Norway 2020-2021. We have invited key influencers in Norway’s public sphere to a panel discussion about the greatest challenges facing freedom of expression today and, not least: What should we be looking at in more detail? Do we actually need to know more about the status of freedom of expression in Norway? If so, what characterises the dangers we need to learn more about?

Programme

7 – 7.05 p.m.: Welcome by Arnfinn H. Midtbøen, ISF

7.05 – 7.30 p.m.: Introduction to the project and summary of previous surveys by Project Supervisor Kjersti Thorbjørnsrud, ISF

7.30 – 8.30 p.m.: Panel discussion, featuring:
Mari Skurdal, editor, Klassekampen
Nils August Andresen, editor, Minerva
Shabana Rehman, stand-up comedian, social commentator and executive director of the association Born Free
Mohamed Abdi, social commentator and writer, regular columnist in Morgenbladet

Marte Mangset, researcher at ISF
8.30 – 9.00 p.m.: Comments and questions from the floor

The panel discussion will be moderated by Arnfinn H. Midtbøen.

Organisers: The Institute for Social Research and Fritt Ord.
The event is free of charge and open to the public.
Link to the Facebook event.