"The essence of freedom of expression are independent publishers."

The “Woche der Meinungsfreiheit” (Freedom of Expression Week) will take place between 3 (International Press Freedom Day) and 10 May (anniversary of the book burnings) 2024. This is an initiative put together by the Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels, the recently founded Freedom of Expression Foundation and the Frankfurter Agenturallianz.

The aim of the campaign week is to provide important impetus for the socio-political debate in Germany and to emphasise the importance of freedom of expression and lively debate for a democratic society.

Every year, people from over 100 countries come together at Frankfurter Buchmesse. As part of the "Freedom of Expression Week", we focus on the perspectives of international members of the publishing industry.

What does freedom of expression mean to you personally? What do you think is the biggest challenge to freedom of expression? What can publishers from around the world do to promote freedom of expression?

In cooperation with the IPA (International Publishers Association), we put these questions to colleagues from India, Turkey, Spain, Italy, the UK, Canada and the USA and brought them together here.

Alberto Bisi, 26letters (USA) and 21lettere (Italy)

What does freedom of expression mean to you personally?

To me the essence of freedom of expression are independent publishers. They are a plurality of voices. So, by definition, that means freedom of expression. And, of course, this also means having less control over them, but we are talking about freedom, right? 

What do you perceive as the greatest challenge to freedom of expression?

From a professional point of view it’s the attitude ‘Oh well, I have this great book, so I’m going to give it to a major publisher.’ It’s understandable but on a bigger scale this really challenges the term ‘freedom of expression’ because independent publishers are the essence of what that phrase means, since they are a plurality of voices. This attitude reduces the number of independents, and places that freedom of expression into the hands of very few entities. 
So, if we’re still doing this for passion too, not just for money, we may as well forget about it.

What can publishers around the world do to promote freedom of expression?

Let’s not forget about independent publishers. Freedom of expression means power of expression and it’s quite different when it is spread across many entities or held it in the hands of very few.
 

About Alberto Bisi 
Alberto Bisi runs two independent publishing houses, 26letters in the USA and 21lettere in Italy
 
About the Freedom of Expression Week
Now in its fourth year, the "Freedom of Expression Week" programme promotes the expression of opinion and lively debate for a democratic society. This year's programme includes more than 60 events throughout Germany.