Market-Driven Challenges to Freedom of Expression and the Interaction Between the State, the Market, and the Media

The controlling function of the media is essential for freedom of expression in a democratic society. One of the pre-conditions of this controlling function is independence in relation not only to the state but also in relation to commercial interests. It is the latter relationship that is the focus of this article.

Recent changes in the media landscape have put pressure on the independence of the media. Commercial interests seem to gain more influence on media content. The distinction between journalism and advertising has become less clear and it is not always maintained despite both legislation and self-regulation that dictate such a division.

The aim of this article is to analyse the consequences of the changes in the media landscape and the challenges posed to the infrastructure for freedom of expression in Sweden, including legislation and self-regulation. The analysis is made with the help of the analytical distinction between market-driven and democracy-driven freedom of expression.