Democratic Self-Defense and the Media

This paper explores the dilemmas faced by media institutions, conventionally viewed as pillars of the public sphere in democratic societies, when confronted with anti-democratic actors and extremist views. Media organizations play a dual role in democratic self-defense: safeguarding free expression while resisting threats to democratic norms. Drawing on a review of discussions on this topic, this chapter examines the tensions between these imperatives, highlighting the challenges of navigating pluralistic public debate while avoiding the legitimization of extremist ideologies. It discusses key debates in contemporary politics, such as the amplification of harmful rhetoric and the risks of perceived bias or censorship. By situating these dilemmas within the broader framework of democratic self-defense, the chapter offers insights into the trade-offs faced by media organizations and suggests new avenues for considering how they may serve democratic functions.