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> NBC is a company. Free speech is a human right. I don't quite see what you're saying. For instance, free speech gives companies the right to publish books t

by jibiki 17y ago

> NBC is a company. Free speech is a human right. I don't quite see what you're saying. For instance, free speech gives companies the right to publish books that criticize the government. If you are saying that all individuals should be free to say whatever they want, then I assure you that your views are extreme. Do you believe that everyone has the right to put up billboards covered in child pornography?

ajju 17y ago
"Saying what you want" is not a right that supersedes other laws. No one can put up billboards (or even possess) child pornography because it is a heinous crime. Similarly, there are other limitations on free speech like shouting "Bomb" in a crowded theater. It is actually legal (though obviously immoral) for a human being to say bigoted things about any religion. NBC cannot run a special saying the same thing because there are (quite likely, IANAL) laws against broadcasting hate speech on T.V. and the market itself also acts as a censor in NBC's case. Saying "free speech should be a Universal right of individuals" is not equivalent to saying "NBC should be able to broadcast a special propagating hate speech". You are claiming it is. So Janet Jackson can say fuck on CBS and she can't be punished for it but CBS can. I am pretty sure there is no law preventing a random person from spouting hate speech on TV (eg those people who shouted gays are the children of satan and other insults at military funerals) although there are quite likely laws requiring TV stations to take all measures to avoid giving such guys a platform.
- jibiki 17y ago
  > Saying "free speech should be a Universal right of individuals" is not equivalent to saying "NBC should be able to broadcast a special propagating hate speech". You are claiming it is. Quoting myself: "I agree that free speech is a human right, for some definition of free speech. I don't agree that 'no censorship' is a human right." I think we are just arguing semantics at this point.

by jibiki 17y ago

ajju 17y ago

"Saying what you want" is not a right that supersedes other laws. No one can put up billboards (or even possess) child pornography because it is a heinous crime. Similarly, there are other limitations on free speech like shouting "Bomb" in a crowded theater. It is actually legal (though obviously immoral) for a human being to say bigoted things about any religion. NBC cannot run a special saying the same thing because there are (quite likely, IANAL) laws against broadcasting hate speech on T.V. and the market itself also acts as a censor in NBC's case. Saying "free speech should be a Universal right of individuals" is not equivalent to saying "NBC should be able to broadcast a special propagating hate speech". You are claiming it is. So Janet Jackson can say fuck on CBS and she can't be punished for it but CBS can. I am pretty sure there is no law preventing a random person from spouting hate speech on TV (eg those people who shouted gays are the children of satan and other insults at military funerals) although there are quite likely laws requiring TV stations to take all measures to avoid giving such guys a platform.

jibiki 17y ago
> Saying "free speech should be a Universal right of individuals" is not equivalent to saying "NBC should be able to broadcast a special propagating hate speech". You are claiming it is. Quoting myself: "I agree that free speech is a human right, for some definition of free speech. I don't agree that 'no censorship' is a human right." I think we are just arguing semantics at this point.