Right to offend: speakers announced 17 Oct

By Mark Fisher | October 14, 2016

I’m delighted to announce the fantastic panel we’ve got together for Monday’s discussion. They are:

Simon Barrow, director of religious think tank Ekklesia
Cat Boyd, co-founder of the Radical Independence Campaign, columnist on the National and co-author of Scottish Independence: A Feminist Response
Kevin McKenna, Observer columnist and former deputy editor of the Herald and executive editor of the Daily Mail in Scotland
Iain Macwhirter, Herald and Sunday Herald political commentator

Chair: Joyce McMillan, Scotsman political columnist

What are the limits of free speech? How much protection should we give those who are offended by another’s views? Now the public sphere has extended beyond the civility of the letters page and into the Wild West of social media, has the nature of civic discourse changed – and should we do something about it? Is it acceptable for people to be hounded off Twitter? Are all opinions good?

Do journalists and others should have a right to offend. Do join us – and bring your most provocative points of view.

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND THE RIGHT TO OFFEND
MONDAY 17 OCTOBER
7PM
Film Guild Room
Filmhouse
88 Lothian Road
Edinburgh EH3 9BZ
0131 228 6382

You get to the Film Guild room via the corridor to the left of the bar/restaurant. Be aware there may be films showing, so please keep conversation to a minimum until you’re in the room.

And a reminder that a few places are still available for our Google News labs and training day in November. Similar NUJ events elsewhere in the country have been getting great feedback – and, other than the refundable deposit, it’s absolutely free, including lunch. Bargain!

Tuesday 8 November 2016
10am–2pm, including lunch (doors open from 9:30am)
Double Tree Hilton, 34 Bread Street, Edinburgh EH3 9AF

Sign up now at https://www.nuj.org.uk/events/google-news-labs-training-edinburgh/

Places limited. £10 deposit required – fully refundable for attendees
I look forward to seeing you there.

Keep up to date with the branch on Twitter at: @NUJ_EFB

Posted in Future Branch Meetings