Free software is crucial to the freedom of expression of media users; free software means that anyone can use a certain set of communication tools to make their own creations, without being bound to any constraints. At least this is what it should mean.
Karanovic (2008, p.125) points out the difference in what 'software freedom' can mean to different people.
"Unlike the English term 'free' which ambiguously refers to an economic quality (cost-free) or a moral one (liberty), the French name of free software is logiciel libre, which points unambiguously to the idea of liberty."
There is a big difference between being able to make a creation without contraints, and not being able to create media due to legal, financial and physical constraints. This is why it is important that a clear definition be set as to what 'software freedom' is. People have the right to develop media at their own will.
Open source software is good for democracy
My experience of open source software has been favourable; things like Audacity, Blender and programs that have come free with my operating system such as Garageband, Windows Movie Maker and iMovie have been integral to my creative expression. This software means that amateurs can produce media, and this will lead to a more interactive, expressive society.
An example of where open source software has been beneficial for individuals is two friends of mine who recently took part in a filmmaking competition, however they had no prior experience in film production and film editing. This did not act as a barrier, however, thanks to open source software such as trakAx and Audacity, and they managed to make the film they set out to make, without worrying about lack of funds. Additionally, with many forms of open source software the user-interface is very accesible and intuitive, and hence lack of experience is less a hindrance.
References
Karanovic, J 2008, 'Sharing Publics: Democracy, cooperation, and free software advocacy in France', thesis, pp. 125-7, accessed via ProQuest database 15 September 2011
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