Charlie Hebdo attack: a chill effect on journalists?

The deadly attack on the staff of Charlie Hebdo by terrorists shouting Islamic slogans has shocked the world. Charlie Hebdo had been threatened and their offices fire-bombed in the past over its cartoons and perceived insults to Islam.

Many think this direct attack on a media outlet will have a chill effect on reporting on Islamic issues, and on cartoons and editorials.

Marc-Francois Bernier PhD, is a professor in the Department of Communications at the University of Ottawa.

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Professor Bernier knows Charlie Hebdo well. He says unlike the few other satirical magazines in democratic countries which tend mostly toward political issues, the Charlie Hebdo targeted politicians, but also religious leaders, actors, and indeed any well-known public figure.  He also says it often went well beyond what other newspapers and magazines would do in their coverage and editorial opinions.

While this direct attack is on a media outlet is new, he feels that it is unlikely that it will have a long-lasting chill, or create self-censorship among journalists or media, in France or elsewhere.

However, not everyone is so sure.

André-Philippe Côté, a cartoonist with Le Soleil newspaper in Quebec is reported by the CBC saying he is worried the shooting could foster an atmosphere of fear and cause some to censor themselves for fear of reprisal. He also states that newspapers should have the right whatever they choose without the threat of violence

Terry Mosher a Montreal political cartoonist for the Gazette newspaper was quoted by the CBC saying satirical cartoons are “an accepted part of any free system.”

“Knowing the fibre of cartoonists, they’re going to react in a very strong way to this all over the world,” he said.  “The question will become, ‘What will actually get printed? How cautious will editors be?’”

Professor Bernier says that French media have long experience with both government intervention and  terrorist acts and threats and will recover from this horrific attack.

In reaction to the shootings, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement today, “Prime Minister Stephen Harper said: “I’m horrified by the barbaric attacks in France. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families,” adding the the terrorists must be brought to justice and that no country is immune to such acts.

He said, “Canada and its allies will not be intimidated and will continue to stand firmly together against terrorists who would threaten the peace, freedom and democracy our countries so dearly value. Canadians stand with France on this dark day.

French President Hollande called the victims “heroes” defending freedom of expression and has declared tomorrow to be a day of national mourning.