Intros: Representation

Dov Shinar

Freedom of speech is conditioned by democratic structures. Dov Shinar outlines the small amount of representation of Palestinians in the territories in Israeli media, more but still restricted representation of Palestinians in Israel and an over proportionate representation of the Jewish citizens. However, within the most democratic structure, the Israeli media, he locates a new kind of boundary: the spiral of silence. The psychological dimensions for the flow of information are sometimes more effective than political censorship can ever be.
Presentation: Democracy, Free Speech, and Occupation: Coexistence and Contradictions

Dauod Kuttab

The hegemony of the West in the Arab media is yet a boundary to be overcome. Daoud Kuttab, a Palestinian journalist and media expert, describes a cornerstone within the discussion of boundaries of free speech in Middle east media. He points out how strategies of new Arab channels are trying to shape independent discourses and symbols. Their media is mostly dominated by Western pictures, famous people or even brands like Coca Cola. The external implication of this however brings up a point still not sufficiently discussed within the West: the new colonialism. Do Western media or brands perform a modern kind of occupation of the Muslim world?
Presentation: Western Hegemony as a Boundary for Arab Media

Jan Schmidt

There is an interaction between mainstream and alternative media. Jan Schmidt shows how both sides influence and inspire each other. Web blogs pick up on issues introduced from mainstream media and discuss them in private forums. The mainstream media on the other hand refer to the blogosphere. Schmidt gives the example of “war-blogs”. Those personal every day testimonies during times of the second Lebanon war enabled neutral voices to express their daily oppression and frustration. This interaction has not only complementing and enhancing qualities; it practices freedom of speech on a performing basis. Both media in themselves seem to be restrained by their structures, goals and according output. But as both supplement each others shortcomings, they actively overcome boundaries.
Presentation: Online Mainstream Media and Weblogs: Competing or complementary publics