Journal de communication de masse et de journalisme

The Pros and Cons of New Media and Media Freedom

Abstract

Vineet Kaul

In Asian Countries media freedom is a controversial issue, on one side right to information and freedom of expression is provided on other side media regulations and Press laws are ready to curb the media freedom. New media often get involved in struggles for new freedoms. This article is to discuss issues of new media in the governance of freedom of press. The Internet is an indispensable source of information today. At the same time, the freedom of new media - like other media - is dynamically related to the overall societal context as regards press freedom dispensations. Old and new media realms do have different issues, and there are particular matters for developing countries. But there is also much in common between old and new media, and between developing and developed countries, and all have interdependent interests in a free environment for journalism. With the creation of various types of new media, the Internet has become the broadest gateway and platform of spatial knowledge to interaction, and even turns to be the formation of a far and wide public field. The emergence of new media which breaks the original concept and rules of traditional media communication makes expression of freedom of the press more influential. There are brand new challenges to media freedom. The Internet, social media and blog posts -- these are among the tools being used so creatively, especially by the vanguard of young people, to help spur change in their societies.