The 14 characterisitics of fascism applied to the USA’s policies after 9/11

1. The 14 characterisitics of fascism applied to the USA’s policies after 9/11 http://www.oldamericancentury.org/14pts.htm

2. Self-censorship in the media

3. Self-censorship is... • ... a phenomenon of prepublication content control under the circumastances of the general freedom of expression • ... a voluntary softening the coverage of certain sensitive issues or keeping silence under an external pressure

4. Self-censorship appears ... • ... on society level – the media follow the instructions of the government of what and how to cover • ... news organisation level – journalists are advised to avoid stories that can harm the profit interests of their company • ... personal level – journalists practice self-censorship because of the fear of loosing their jobs.

5. Conflicts of interests... • ... political – agression/war, terrorism, political campaigns; the states, governements, politicisans; • ... economic – market pressures; investors, publishers, advertisers etc. • ... personal – fear of potential career damage; journalists, editors-in-chief, publishers

6. Self-censorship manifests itself as avoidance of stories that... • Audience might find • too complex • interesting but dull 2) News organisation might find • hurting company’s financial interests • damaging for advertisers • damaging for the friends of the boss 3) Journalists see as • damaging their careers • harmful for the relationship with source(s) • harmful for the relationship with other journalists

7. Project Censored • Since 1976 • Prof. Peter Phillips at Caliornia Sonoma State University • What are the issues that the American mainstream media do not cover? • http://www.projectcensored.org

8. Finland • Historical background Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact in 1939 divided Europe into spheres of interest between Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia – Finland and the Baltic States became controlled by the Soviets After the WWII, from 1944-1947 the excutive power in Finland was in the hands of Allied Control Commission 1947 the Treaty of Paris – peace between Finland and the USSR 1944-1948 the years of the threat of the Soviet takeover • 1945-1947 pre-publication censorship insituted by the Finnish government • 1948-1992 the Pact of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance

9. Presidents of Finland 1944-1994 Carl Gustav Emil Mannerheim 1944-1946 Juho Paasikivi 1946-1956 Urho Kaleva Kekkonen 1956-1962-1981 Mauno Koivisto 1982-1994

10. The aims of the Soviet media policy in Finland • Preventing criticism of the Soviet Union and its satellite countries • Preventing positive coverage of the USA and other NATO member states • Creating positive image of the USSR and its leaders • Developing positive public opinion about the USSR • Strengthening the influence of Moscow on the domestic policy of Finland

11. Taboos in the Finnish media Incorporating Karelia into the USSR Occupation of the Baltic States The invasion in Afganistan Dissidents