Ethical Considerations in Media Coverage of Hate Speech in Canada

Review of Constitutional Studies, Vol. 6, No. 1, 2001

40 Pages Posted: 19 Feb 2002 Last revised: 1 May 2014

See all articles by Raphael Cohen-Almagor

Raphael Cohen-Almagor

University of Hull; Middle East Study Centre; Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

Abstract

In many democracies, freedom of expression and freedom of the media are guaranteed by the same constitutional provision. The essay addresses the issue of media coverage of hate speech in Canada, one of the major exporters of hate literature in the world. It is argued that the media should not cooperate with hate-mongers by providing them an uncontrolled platform for disseminating their ideas. This is not to say that the media should fail to report about the conduct of hate mongers. Instead, it is argued that media coverage of hate speech should be cautious, sensitive to the interests of the group under attack, and responsible. The free media should assist democracy that enables their functioning in fighting down enemies of democracy.

Note: Reprinted with permission of the Review of Constitutional Studies

Keywords: freedom of expression, freedom of the media, hate speech, Canada, media accountability

Suggested Citation

Cohen-Almagor, Raphael and Cohen-Almagor, Raphael, Ethical Considerations in Media Coverage of Hate Speech in Canada. Review of Constitutional Studies, Vol. 6, No. 1, 2001, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=293871

Raphael Cohen-Almagor (Contact Author)

University of Hull ( email )

Cottingham Road
Hull, Great Britain HU6 7RX
United Kingdom

HOME PAGE: http://https://www.hull.ac.uk/faculties/staff-profiles/raphael-cohen-almagor.aspx

Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars ( email )

One Woodrow Wilson Plaza
1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20004
United States

Middle East Study Centre ( email )

Cottingham Road
Hull, HU6 7RX
United Kingdom
0044-1482 465024 (Phone)
0044-1482-466208 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://hcc.haifa.ac.il/~rca

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
79
Abstract Views
1,343
Rank
555,299
PlumX Metrics