M2- normativetheories (media and information literacy)

normative theories for media and information literacy

1. Presentation Title Free PowerPoint Templates

2. Normative Theories Presented by Aliza ahmed(490) Mahajabeen Awan(475) Harmain Akhter(499) Kanwal Javed(495) Asma Maqsood(510) Tayyaba Yousaf(485) Presented to Mam Sana Fatima

3. What is theory? “Theory is a system of interconnected abstractions or ideas that condenses and organizes knowledge about the world.” Formulated to explain, predict, and understand phenomena. The theoretical framework introduces and describes the theory that explains why the research problem under study exists.

4. Proposed by Fred Siebert Theodore Peterson Wilbur Schramm Book Four Theories of the Press

5. At first the word “ Normative Theory” was pronounced in USA during the height of „cold war‟ with communism and soviet. Often it called as western theories of mass media.

6. Description A Normative theory describes an ideal way for a media system to be controlled and operated by the government, authority, leader and public. Normative theories of press are not providing any scientific explanations or prediction. At the same these “ four theories of the press ” were came from many sources rather than a single source. Media practitioners, social critics and academics also involved to develop these normative theories.

7. Importance Normative theories are more focused in the relationship between Press and the Government than press and the audience. These theories are more concern about the ownership of the media and who controls the press or media in the country.

8. The four theories of the Press/Media 1. Authoritarian theory 2. Libertarian theory

9. The four theories of the Press/Media 3 . Social responsibility theory 4. Soviet media theory

10. Authoritarian Theory

11. Authoritarian theory of mass communication originated from the philosophy of Plato (407- 327 B.C.). The English monarchs used this approach when the printing press was invented by censoring, licensing, taxation and making laws.

12. Major Features of Authoritarian Theory of Press Control of government and authority Oppressed Media Use of Power Punishment rule Limited Right Cancelation of license Privatize Concept of propaganda Media to strengthen the government

13. Examples of Authoritarian theory

14. King King is the authority, who has all rights to control the communication and no one can question against the king.

15. Dictatorship During the world war II Hitler and Mussolini are the two major authorities who controlled the press in Germany

16. Strengths of Authoritarian Theory of Press This approach is sometimes better for resolving social and cultural conflicts. It is also better sometimes because it motivates people to work for the country and its people. This theory can act as a gatekeeper and prevent the media that act irresponsibly. The theory can be used for establishing propaganda.

17. Weakness of Authoritarian Theory of Press Common people are taken as less intelligent and as an easy target to manipulate. The ruling class uses the media only for their own benefits. The freedom of expression and information of normal people is attacked.

18. Libertarian Theory

19. The theory which is originally came from libertarian thoughts from 16th century in Europe. libertarian theorists are against the authoritarian thoughts. International trade and urbanization undermine the power of a rural aristocracy which leads various social movements raise.

20. Liberalism Liberalism means information is knowledge and knowledge is power. Libertarianism is free from any authority or any control or censorship. The libertarianism is an idea of individualism and limited government which is not harmful to another.

21. Concept of libertarian theory Libertarian theory sees people are more enough to find and judge good ideas from bad. The theory says people are rational and their rational thoughts lead them to find out what are good and bad. The press should not restrict anything even a negative content may give knowledge and can make better decision whilst worst situation.

22. Major Features of Libertarian Theory of Press Free Media freedom of thoughts Individualism No censorship High Competition No government Influence Accountability Majority Rule Laissez- faire approach

23. Example of Libertarian Theory of Press

24. Feedback People can criticize the government policies and works through social media or any other media like newspapers.

25. Strengths of Libertarian Theory of Press Media can give true information without any control. There is no censorship. All individuals can express their opinions and thoughts in the media openly. The theory encourages healthy competition among the thoughts and ideas. Every work will be transparent to all. It checks the government and the state authorities and also prevents corruption. It functions with democracy.

26. Weaknesses of Libertarian Theory of Press • • • • • • Media might not always act responsibly. Individuals might not always have good intentions and ethics. People can not always make rational judgments. Freedom of different type of people, their ideas, opinions, school of thoughts, and group objectives can be in a conflict. Media can misuse its power and harm other people ’ s privacy and dignity. Media might defame, cause sedition, libel or slander, be immodest, publish obscenity and cause trouble. Media might challenge the security of the state.

27. Social responsibility

28. Social Responsibility theory of mass media is relatively a new concept which started in the mid- 20th century and is used mostly by developing and least developed countries. The theory started from Europe and took a shape with the Commission on the Freedom of Press that happened in United States in 1949. The model was designed formally by Siebert, Peterson and Schramm in 1956 in their book.

29. Description Social responsibility is ethics that guide any action, be it in media or other organizations that put an obligation towards environment, society, culture and economy. The media like any other sector should not harm, but should promote environment and socio- cultural aspects in relation to the economy of the place.

30. Description It encourages total freedom to press and no censorship, but it should be regulated according to social responsibilities and external controls. Content is also filtered through public obligation and interference.

31. Major Features of Social Responsibility Theory Private press ownership Helps democracy prosper Media as a democratic institution Public participation Emphasis on social responsibility Self- regulation in media Code of ethics

32. Major Features of Social Responsibility Theory Helping eradicate social problems Pluralistic media Social benefit Professional standards Media role of criticizing government

33. Example of social Responsibility

34. Reports of Government Issues Reporting on the performance of government institutions and unveil tyranny and corruption by the media is also an example of socially responsible media as Media acts like a critic of the government.

35. Strengths of Social Responsibility Theory It helps in avoiding conflicts during wars and conflicts. It accepts public opinion and works for the citizens. Press and media houses do not have monopoly as rules and ethics guide them. The media publishes truth due to regulatory activities and their moral obligation to do so . Yellow journalism decreases as media can be questioned by the law and public. Yellow journalism decreases as media can be questioned by the law and public.

36. Weaknesses of Social Responsibility Theory Ethics are always vague, ambiguous and differ from case to case. It is difficult to determine who sets clear principles and standards. Social responsibility and ethics are morally obligatory things. Any form of legal limitations should not be imposed if media is just working in the principle of responsibility. Laws are authoritative and not democratic concepts.

37. Soviet Communist

38. The communist theory of mass media came into being along with the concept of communism. George W. F. Hegel and later, Karl Marx with Engels were the people who thought of the theory in the 19th century. Mass media in the view of Karl Marx was supposed to be responsible for socialist system of governance and communist media was supposed to help in implementing social policies. The communist and Marxist government rule and communist theory of mass communication was practically used by the then Soviet Union (Russia) in 1917. .

39. Concepts of Communist Theory Media is taken as a part of the state in Communist Theory. The ownership of media is with the state and the country runs the media as per their wishes to fulfill their propaganda of control. Media is taken as a part of the state in Communist Theory. The ownership of media is with the state and the country runs the media as per their wishes to fulfill their propaganda of control.

40. Difference between Authoritarian theory and the communist theory Authoritarian, there is private ownership of media Soviet communist theory, the control lies in very small number of leaders in soviet communist theory.

41. Example of soviet communist

42. Benefit of culture They promoted their own culture and traditions as the best. They also did not give out news about disasters and accidents.

43. propaganda Propaganda based information is only delivered. The information might be false.