Turning Controversy into Conversation — A Proposal to Debate Free Speech vs. Misinformation

Recent allegations against Steve Bartlett, accusing him of spreading misinformation, place him at the heart of one of the most critical moral and philosophical debates of our time: "Free Speech vs. Censoring Misinformation/Disinformation."

Instead of reacting with a defensive PR strategy, I suggested to the team to lean into the controversy, embrace the challenge, and create an event that captures public interest while also contributing to a global conversation? As Michael Caine famously advised, "Use the difficulty." This moment presents an opportunity to reframe the narrative and assert your role as leaders in modern media discourse.

Here’s my proposal for how we can make it happen.

The Two-Part Debate Format

Part 1: An In-Person Debate at the Oxford Union

  • Why the Oxford Union? The Oxford Union is synonymous with open debate and intellectual discourse. It has hosted historic figures like Winston Churchill, Malcolm X, and Mother Teresa. Hosting the debate here provides credibility, prestige, and global visibility.

  • Format: Classic Oxford debate structure with two opposing sides arguing for and against the resolution: "This house believes that free speech should be prioritized over the censorship of misinformation and disinformation."

  • Participants: Esteemed speakers, moderators, and a live audience with opportunities for real-time feedback.

  • Media Opportunity: Record and live-stream the event to social platforms like YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, creating viral, shareable content.

Part 2: A Debate Between AI Avatars Using Google’s Latest Technology

  • Why Use AI Avatars? This part showcases cutting-edge technology while adding an educational and futuristic spin to the debate.

  • Format: Train AI avatars to argue both sides of the debate using machine learning models, NLP (Natural Language Processing), and Google’s latest AI capabilities. These avatars would simulate human-like reasoning and rebuttals.

  • Interactive Component: The audience can vote on arguments in real time, pose questions to the AI, and see how AI learns to improve its logic and reasoning.

  • Long-Term Benefits: The replay value is immense—this event could live on as a tool to teach young people how to engage in debate, recognize bias, and build media literacy.

Debate Structure

1. Opening Statements (5 minutes each side)

  • Proposition: Argue for prioritizing free speech over censorship.

  • Opposition: Argue for the need to censor misinformation and disinformation.

2. Cross-Examination (3 minutes each side)

  • Both sides challenge the logic, evidence, and claims made by their opponent.

3. Rebuttal Speeches (3 minutes each side)

  • Each side responds to challenges and strengthens their argument with evidence.

4. Closing Statements (2 minutes each side)

  • Final opportunity for each side to summarize their strongest arguments and make a closing appeal.

5. Audience Participation (Q&A, Audience Voting)

  • Live polls allow the audience to express who "won" the debate in real time.

Financials & Proposal

1. Costs

  • Venue: Oxford Union rental, production, and technical setup.

  • AI Development: Custom development of AI avatars, logic systems, and machine learning.

  • Production: Video production, live-streaming equipment, and editing for online distribution.

  • Speakers: Honorariums for guest speakers and travel expenses for panelists.

  • Marketing & Promotion: Social media advertising, influencer partnerships, and content distribution.

2. Revenue Potential

  • Sponsorships: Secure corporate sponsors from education, AI, and tech sectors.

  • Content Monetization: Monetize live streams and recorded sessions on platforms like YouTube.

  • Licensing: Sell the AI debate engine to educational institutions for use in classrooms.

  • Ticket Sales: Offer paid tickets for live attendance or VIP experiences.

3. Funding Ask

  • Initial Investment: Seek funding from partners, sponsors, and stakeholders to cover production, AI development, and event logistics.

Proposed Speakers

  1. Elon Musk — CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and owner of X (formerly Twitter). As a staunch advocate for free speech, Musk’s presence would draw global attention.

  2. Mikhaila Peterson — Podcaster and media personality known for addressing divisive issues.

  3. Steven Bartlett — Host of the "Diary of a CEO" podcast. His insights into the modern business landscape would provide a fresh perspective on media and misinformation.

  4. Will Cohn — Free speech advocate with experience in public debate.

  5. John Donvan — Host of Intelligence Squared debates, a skilled moderator for complex issues.

  6. Representative from ACLU — Defender of First Amendment rights and civil liberties.

  7. Chris Patten — Former Governor of Hong Kong and Chancellor of the University of Oxford, with deep experience in diplomacy and governance.

  8. Sebastian Milbank — Political commentator and writer for The Critic magazine.

  9. Paulson — Expert on free speech issues with a track record of legal commentary.

Benefits of the Event

  1. Educational Value: Teach young people how to engage in civil discourse, recognize personal biases, and practice critical thinking.

  2. Media Exposure: Turn the event into a multimedia experience, from live streams to podcasts, replays, and learning modules.

  3. Brand Differentiation: This event positions you as thought leaders in a critical cultural conversation, differentiating your brand from competitors.

  4. Long-Term Impact: The AI-driven debate could be repurposed for educational tools, e-learning platforms, and classroom use.

This opportunity goes beyond PR—it’s a chance to shape the future of free speech and media literacy. It’s about teaching young people the value of positive conflict, self-reflection, and critical thinking. Let’s create a debate that resonates far beyond the walls of Oxford and into the minds of millions worldwide.