Normative Theory- Press Theory
Normative
Theory
This
theory explain the expected operation of media under the prevailing set
of political and economical circumstances.There are six
normative theories . In 1950 Siebert et al mentioned
four theories, two more were added by Mc Quail in 1980.
AuthoritrianTheory
According to Authoritrian
Theory, Press is subordinated to the state power. It acts according to the interest of ruling
class or the state power or by an established authority. In this view, all
media and public communication are subject to the supervision of the ruling
authority and expression or opinion which might undermine the established
social and political order can be forbidden. Although this `theory' break
rights of freedom of expression, it can be invoked under extreme conditions. It also
give justification for the censorship and control and
punishment for any kind of deviation from set of rules and
guidelines. Such censorship is more rigidly enforced in times of war and
during internal and external emergencies.
Eg
in case of Srilanka 4th Eelam war, and in 1975 Indira Gandhi government imposed
censorship of press in The Emergency. It was removed at
the end of the Emergency rule.
Both
dictatorial and democratic regimes alternative to such authoritarian control of
the media.
Also
some documentaries and movies baned by Indian Govt.
Eg.
Dam 999 movie baned in Tamilnadu , In 2002, the film War and Peace,
depicting scenes of nuclear testing and the September
11, 2001 attacks, created by Anand
Patwardhan, In 1999 Maharashtra government
banned the Marathi play
'Me Nathuram Godse Boltoy"
or 'I am Nathuram Godse Speaking"
Key points
1. This theory works bases on
quality of information and culture available the public.
2. Adequate support for the
democratic and political system
3. Respect for individual and
general human rights.
4. Avoiding harm and offence to
society and individuals.
2.Free Press Theory
Free press theory (most fully developed in the United States of
America, proclaims complete freedom of public expression and of economic operation
of the media and rejects any interference by government in any aspect of the
press. A well- functioning market should resolve all issues of media obligation
and social need. The
fundamental right of an individual freedom of expression or libertarianism make
a base of this theory. It also called liberation theory. This
theory recommend that any individual is free to punish whatever
he likes, can held opinions fully to express them, to assemble and organize
with other.
This
theory basis is go back to 17 th century. The epic poet John
Milton and John Stuart Mill are the apologists of this theory.
It is contrast with authoritarian theory.
It is the
only fully respected theory of the press has been the free press theory.
According
to this theory a free press is seen essential to a free society and
dignity of the individual. Freedom of the press was closely linked with
the idea of freedom of the individual and with liberal and utilitarian
political philosophy.
This
theory protects media owners rather than the rights of
editors and journalists, or of the public. The theory offers in sum is power
without social responsibility
Strength
Strength
- •Values media freedom
- •Is consistent with U.S
media traditions
- •Values individuals
- •prevents government
control of media
Weakness
•It overly optimistic about media’s willingness to meet responsibilities
- •It is overly optimistic
about individuals ethcs and rationality
- •Ignore dilemmas posed by
conflicting freedoms for example free press versus personal privacy
Social Responsibility Theory
This theory has been derived from
Hutchins Report in 1947.
According to this theory , the press has work as the information sound and normal needs of the
society. Social
responsibility theory found
more in Europe and countries under European influence is a modified version of
free press theory placing greater emphasis upon the accountability of the media
to society. The theory based on the assumption that media
sense the essential function of society in truth, accuracy, objectivity, and
balance.
The
commission found that the free market approach to press freedom had not yet
met the informational and social need of the society and possibilities for
reform. The theory view that the press had certain obligation to
society and ownership is a public trust.
The
finding of the report contributed to subsequent theorizing and
practice of accountability.
A
responsible press should
provide a full, truthful, comprehensive and intelligent account of the
days’ events in a context which giving them meaning.
It should
serve as a forum for the exchange of comment and
criticism
The press
should give a representative picture of constituent groups in
society. The media have obligations to society; The media should follow agreed
codes of ethics and professional conduct.
It
involved a view of media ownership as a form of public trust or stewardship.
Social responsibility should be reached by self-control, not
government intervention. This theory holds that the government must
not merely allow freedom, it must actively promote it. The government should
act to protect the freedom of its citizens. . The public
interest was a greater value than unregulated freedom of expression. Under some
circumstances government may need to intervene to safeguard the public
interest.
Advantage
of this theory
|
Demerits
|
It
advocate media freedom
Plurality
of Ownership
Diversity
of information
Support
for maintaining public order and security of the state
Quality
of cultural provision
Meeting
international obligations
Appeal
to the best instincts of media people and audience
It
is consistent with U.S legal tradition
|
Respecting
the rights of individuals
Overly
optimistic about media and individual willingness to
meet responsibility
Underestimates power
of profit, motivation and competition
|
3.
Soviet Media Theory/ Communist media Theory
It
is derived from Lenin’s application of Marx and Engels. According to this
theory media are the mental production of ideology.
Through
the communist party media projected the interest of working class rather
than elite people.
As per
this theory media is a tool to socialize the people such that educate, inform,
motivate, and mobilize the citizens
The
public will encouraged to provide feedback.
Censorship
and restrictions on the media are legitimate for the media.
Media are accountable to the state.
4.
Development media theory (applying in countries at lower levels
of economic development and with limited resources) takes various forms but
essentially proposes that media freedom, while desirable, should be
subordinated (of necessity) to the requirements of economic, social and
political development.
5. Alternative media
theory. From a social critical perspective the dominant media of the established
society are likely to be inadequate by definition in respect of many groups in
society and too much under the control of the state and other authorities or
elites. This type of theory favours media that are close to the grass-roots of
society, small-scale, participative, active and non-commercial. Their role is
to speak for and to the social out-groups and also to keep radical criticism
alive.
Comments
Post a Comment