Four Theories of the Press-- Authoritarian, Libertarian,
Social Responsibility & Communist Soviet
Four Theories of the Press
The four theories of the press are authoritarian, libertarian,
social responsibility, and communist soviet theory. In 1956,
three scholars, Schramm, Siebert, and Peterson, published the
Four Theories of the Press Book. It is also known as the four
theories of the Press by Wilbur Schramm 1956. The Four
Theories of the Press Book describes precisely the four theories
of the press: Authoritarian Theory, Libertarian Theory, Social
Responsibility Theory, and Communist Soviet Theory.
1. Authoritarian Theory of the Press (Regulation-
Control)
The authoritarian theory explains that the government authority
directly controls the communication outlets. The government
controls the press, information, and communication systems
directly and indirectly (Siebert, Peterson, & Schramm, 1956).
Sometimes, the government assigns authority to regulate the
whole process of the information and communication system in
the country. The agency controls the press thoroughly on behalf
of the government. For example, the Korean Central News
Agency controls the mass media outlets in North Korea.
The press cannot work independently. So, it publishes news and
information that the government wants to know about the
public in the country.  The authority set the code of conduct for
the news agencies. Therefore, the news publishing outlets must
need to follow the rules and regulations set by the management.
The authority also has the right to provide a license and cancel
it. Usually, they revoke the license when the media violate the
policies imposed by the government. The media practitioners
follow the government’s instructions thoroughly to publish the
news.
Authoritarian Theory of the Press Example
During the second world war, Hitler controlled the news media
in Germany; hence, no press could publish news without the
authority’s permission.
For example, in 2021, the Taliban took over power in
Afghanistan, and the management excessively controls all
media. Similarly, in Myanmar, the army chief Min Aung Hlaing
seized power in 2021.
For example, in North Korea, Afghanistan and Mynamar
2. Libertarian theory (Free-Willing Media)
Libertarian theory refers to the freedom of the press to
disseminate information (Siebert et al., 1956). Therefore, it is
also known as the normative theory of mass communication.
The mass media outlets are entirely free to publish any ethical
news and information. The press works as the watchdog of the
community and society in the country.
John Milter was the first introducer of the libertarian press
concept. Firstly, In the 1700s, authorities applied the libertarian
theory of the press in the USA. After that, and in the 1900s,
Europe accepted it. As per the Libertarian press, human beings
have the right to know the accurate information published by
mass media outlets. The press should disseminate the actual
news to society’s people.
Sometimes Wiki leaks platform publishes confidential
documents to the public. Therefore, the government of many
countries around the world does not allow to practice libertarian
press system, and it can impact the political parties to form the
government.
Libertarian Theory of the Press Examples
Firstly, mass media and communication systems are free from
the government to publish news. The government does not
control the press when they disseminate information, even
though they criticize its activities. Therefore, journalists and
media practitioners manage the press directly.
For example, Canada, New Zealand and Switzerland
3. Social Responsibility Theory (Matured/Self-
Regulated Media)
Social responsibility theory explains that the press media do not
need to take permission from the government to distribute news
and information; however, they think about society when
publishing news. Therefore, the social responsibility theory of
the press has linked the libertarian and authoritarian theories. It
lies between those two theories. The media are somewhat free
from the government but controlled by the people of the
country’s society.
Social Responsibility Theory of the Press Example
In mid 20th century, many countries applied the social
responsibility theory incorporating “the Commission of the
Freedom of Press” in the United States in 1949. Anyone can
express their opinion through mass media. Additionally, mass
media play an essential role in raising a voice against
discrimination and corruption.
For example, In the US, UK, and India
4. Communist Soviet Theory (Govt-Media
Cooptation/Corroboration)
Communist Soviet Theory describes that the ministry of the
respective government controls the press media, but they are
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
authority, but the government agency controls the entire system
at the end of the day.
Communist Soviet Theory Example
The Soviet Union was reconstructed with the new norms based
on the Marxist-Leninist beliefs in the 1917th revolution.
Communist Soviet Theory is also known as Soviet Media Theory.
This theory is generated from authoritarian theory but
contradicted by the libertarian theory. The government agency
owns the press media, but they are free to work for society.
Finally, the government set official media to deliver the
information to society.
For example, In Russia, China, and Cuba