Nominated by Canadian Political Science Association

Abstract

This paper deals with the use of the concept of freedom of expression by a Quebec City radio station, CHOI-FM, in its dispute with the CRTC and in the court case of Sophie Chiasson before the Quebec Cour supérieure. Although freedom of expression is the main argument used by CHOI-FM in 2004 and 2005, our hypothesis is that this argument is mainly instrumental. Nevertheless, freedom of expression must be analyzed because it is a major symbol of democracy; it is linked with lively public debate and individualism. In this case, freedom of expression is also used in an attempt to lend respectability to populism and illicit discourse.

Recommended Citation

Gingras, Anne-Marie (2008) "Freedom of Expression and Shock Radio: Quebec CHOI-FM as a Case Study," World Political Science Review: Vol. 4 : Iss. 3, Article 1.
DOI: 10.2202/1935-6226.1052
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/wpsr/vol4/iss3/art1