Moderated by Publishing Perspectives’ Porter Anderson, the speakers were:

  • Anke E. Steinecke: Global general counsel and chief legal officer of Penguin Random House.
  • Jean Poderos: Director of Edition Courtes et Longues.
  • Felicia Hofmann: Social Media expert and lead at DTV Publishing.
  • Ege Dündar: Board Member at Pan International.

The variety of the panelists was exemplary, showcasing the inclusion of younger panelists of the publishing industry.

Here some key takeaways from each of the panelists:

Anke E. Steinecke (Penguin Random House)

Anke Steinecke highlighted that book banning was a direct threat to democracy. In reference to the survey done by Pen America, the increase in book banning was threefold, as compared to the previous year. These target books that address topics of LGBTQ+ and race.

Giving a brief history of book bans in the U.S., Steinecke showed how conservative parents’ efforts in restricting their children’s access to “problematic” content led to the removal of entire sections in schools and public libraries. In addition, certain States have enacted book banning laws that are broad in nature, heavily limiting educators and librarians with sanctions. Although professionals have the required know-how, they often lack the resources and capacity to intensively review their books, and with their jobs at stake, they are left with little choice but to reduce their collection of books. Some of these books include Anne Frank’s Diary and Hemingway’s books, due to individual references to sexuality or communism.

Penguin Random House has been actively fighting book banning in the U.S. in recent years. In Spring 2023, for example, the CEO of Penguin Random House, Nihar Malaviya, created an intellectual freedom task force of senior leaders from legal communication, marketing and sales to tackle this issue. Another initiative is the “banned wagon,” which seeks to distribute banned books and informative flyers on how to best fight the banning of books. Lastly, Penguin Random House, the first publisher in 60 years, has been taking legal actions against states, setting an example for other publishers.

“If the government can dictate what books readers are allowed to encounter in libraries and classrooms, then we’re going down a very dangerous path, that I see as a direct threat to democracy.”

Jean Poderos (edition Courtes et Longues)

As a publisher of children’s books, Jean Poderos addressed the increase in radical reactions to powerful social debates. The problem with these reactions is that what is seen as unacceptable to some, is forbidden to all. Poderos reminded the audience that the role of publishers was to help readers develop a critical mind with which they identify and choose from a variety of paths available.

Regarding the situation in France, he explained that according to a 1949 law, all books aimed at minors must be submitted to a Content Analysis Commission, checking for pornographic content, incitement to discrimination or hatred, promotion of the consumption of illegal substances, and other instances that could have a negative impact on the physical, mental or moral development of children. Although Poderos welcomes such an initiative, he highlighted that the 30-member commission was not able to examine the yearly publishing of some thousands of books.

“The law establishing this commission was passed in 1949. It is fair to say that society has evolved ever since, and so must the law.”

Felicia Hofmann (DTV Publishing)

Felicia Hofmann suggested looking at three main points: the responsibility of publishers to publish a variety of books, opinions, and point of views, the opportunities and limitations of social media as a platform for expression, and the essential promotion of reading.

Focusing on social media, Hofmann highlighted the dangers of online hate speech and the liability of sources. Algorithms create bubbles, which reinforces the type of content a user is exposed to. Therefore, leaving that bubble is important to be familiarized with other opinions and thoughts, regardless of age and gender. Reading, Hofmann stated, is a great way of expanding one’s bubble.

“It is important to learn about the mechanisms of social media. You are in your bubble, and you get your information, but there’s a lot going on the other side of the veil that you don’t see”.

Ege Dündar (Pan International)

As the youngest ever board member of PEN International, Ege Dündar addressed youth involvement amidst polarization, based on three main reasons: isolation, the absence of a platform to connect and be exposed to others, and the need for inspiration. Dündar proposes literature and storytelling as a solution to polarization. Initiatives like the “Tomorrow Club” allow young people to meet and exchange with others their age, learn from other perspectives through exposure, and find a place to inspire and be inspired through literature and poetry. He noted that, while our differences matter, young people realise the need to work together but need support to create spaces that enable a healthy exchange. To conclude, Dündar shared the news that PEN International had created a young writers committee as well as the Tomorrow Club.

 

You can find the full recording here.

 

In addition to the panel on the trinity of freedoms the IPA also had other discussions around the freedom to publish. These included an Open Freedom to Publish Committee meeting, which was well attended with 25 participants from 15 countries. Opened by IPA President, Karine Pansa, the meeting was the opportunity to present the work of the committee and share some insights into the work of the Committee around the Prix Voltaire.

The Open Freedom to Publish Committee meeting was well attended with 25 participants from 15 countries. Opened by IPA President, Karine Pansa, the meeting was the opportunity to present the work of the committee and share some insights into the work of the Committee around the Prix Voltaire.

The meeting also heard from other associations like PEN International and the European and International Booksellers Federation (EIBF) building on the work around the trinity of freedoms statement.

The IPA Freedom to Publish Committee Chair, Kristenn Einarsson, presented the development work on a new project on democracies depend on reading. The meeting also enabled participants to share udpates from their markets and regions with updates from Georgia, Mexico, Germany, Korea, Japan, Turkey, USA and France. Issues raised included laws around LGBTQ representation, nationalisation of educational textbooks, pressure from government on cultural bodies, and self-censorship.