Part 4/14:
Ofcom, the UK’s media regulator, exemplifies the problem. Its definition of impartiality is overly complicated, allowing censorship and bias to flourish under the facade of “independence,” which is distinct from impartiality. Stephen critiques the idea that regulators and institutions should craft detailed rules that are inaccessible or subjective, squeezing out free speech and transparency.
He emphasizes the need for straightforward legal standards based on objective truths rather than “word soup,” which is designed to be flexible (or nebulous) to serve the interests of regulators and the political establishment.