Four Theories of The Press

Four Theories of the Press-- Authoritarian, Libertarian, follow the government’s instructions thoroughly to publish the
Social Responsibility & Communist Soviet news.
Four Theories of the Press

Authoritarian Theory of the Press Example
The four theories of the press are authoritarian, libertarian,
social responsibility, and communist soviet theory. In 1956, During the second world war, Hitler controlled the news media
three scholars, Schramm, Siebert, and Peterson, published the in Germany; hence, no press could publish news without the
Four Theories of the Press Book. It is also known as the four authority’s permission.
theories of the Press by Wilbur Schramm 1956. The Four
Theories of the Press Book describes precisely the four theories For example, in 2021, the Taliban took over power in
of the press: Authoritarian Theory, Libertarian Theory, Social Afghanistan, and the management excessively controls all
Responsibility Theory, and Communist Soviet Theory. media. Similarly, in Myanmar, the army chief Min Aung Hlaing
seized power in 2021.
1. Authoritarian Theory of the Press (Regulation-
Control) For example, in North Korea, Afghanistan and Mynamar
The authoritarian theory explains that the government authority

directly controls the communication outlets. The government 2. Libertarian theory (Free-Willing Media)
controls the press, information, and communication systems
directly and indirectly (Siebert, Peterson, & Schramm, 1956). Libertarian theory refers to the freedom of the press to
Sometimes, the government assigns authority to regulate the disseminate information (Siebert et al., 1956). Therefore, it is
whole process of the information and communication system in also known as the normative theory of mass communication.
the country. The agency controls the press thoroughly on behalf The mass media outlets are entirely free to publish any ethical
of the government. For example, the Korean Central News news and information. The press works as the watchdog of the
Agency controls the mass media outlets in North Korea. community and society in the country.
The press cannot work independently. So, it publishes news and John Milter was the first introducer of the libertarian press
information that the government wants to know about the concept. Firstly, In the 1700s, authorities applied the libertarian
public in the country. The authority set the code of conduct for theory of the press in the USA. After that, and in the 1900s,
the news agencies. Therefore, the news publishing outlets must Europe accepted it. As per the Libertarian press, human beings
need to follow the rules and regulations set by the management. have the right to know the accurate information published by
The authority also has the right to provide a license and cancel mass media outlets. The press should disseminate the actual
it. Usually, they revoke the license when the media violate the news to society’s people.
policies imposed by the government. The media practitioners
Sometimes Wiki leaks platform publishes confidential Freedom of Press” in the United States in 1949. Anyone can
documents to the public. Therefore, the government of many express their opinion through mass media. Additionally, mass
countries around the world does not allow to practice libertarian media play an essential role in raising a voice against
press system, and it can impact the political parties to form the discrimination and corruption.
government.
For example, In the US, UK, and India
Libertarian Theory of the Press Examples

4. Communist Soviet Theory (Govt-Media
Firstly, mass media and communication systems are free from Cooptation/Corroboration)
the government to publish news. The government does not
control the press when they disseminate information, even Communist Soviet Theory describes that the ministry of the
though they criticize its activities. Therefore, journalists and respective government controls the press media, but they are
media practitioners manage the press directly. free to work for the society. The government regulates and
guides the mass media outlets for the benefit of the people. They
can publish any news without taking permission from the
For example, Canada, New Zealand and Switzerland
authority, but the government agency controls the entire system
at the end of the day.
3. Social Responsibility Theory (Matured/Self-
Regulated Media)
Communist Soviet Theory Example
Social responsibility theory explains that the press media do not
need to take permission from the government to distribute news The Soviet Union was reconstructed with the new norms based
and information; however, they think about society when on the Marxist-Leninist beliefs in the 1917th revolution.
publishing news. Therefore, the social responsibility theory of Communist Soviet Theory is also known as Soviet Media Theory.
the press has linked the libertarian and authoritarian theories. It
lies between those two theories. The media are somewhat free
This theory is generated from authoritarian theory but
from the government but controlled by the people of the
contradicted by the libertarian theory. The government agency
country’s society.
owns the press media, but they are free to work for society.
Finally, the government set official media to deliver the
information to society.
Social Responsibility Theory of the Press Example
For example, In Russia, China, and Cuba

In mid 20th century, many countries applied the social
responsibility theory incorporating “the Commission of the

Four Theories of The Press

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Four Theories of the Press-- Authoritarian, Libertarian, follow the government’s instructions thoroughly to publish the

Social Responsibility & Communist Soviet news.

Four Theories of the Press

The authoritarian theory explains that the government authority

Libertarian Theory of the Press Examples

For example, In Russia, China, and Cuba

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