Theories of Media - Essay Example

Theories of Media Libertarian Theory This theory philosophical perspective assumes that man is capable of discerning what suits him from the availed informational material. The theory evolved from the idea that the media’s responsibility was to avail facts it can, besides the implications they will have on the public. Since a man has, a role of choosing what is suitable for him based on the utilization of one’s power of discerning (Lorimer, 2007). Primarily, people based on their reasoning capacity are liable for the choices they make from the availed facts or information. U.S constitutional writers and those states where the leadership of democracy applies mainly embrace this idea. Because it is, an assumption that people are free and can choose what they desire and will align with their lives’ goals. In addition, this will also depend on an individual’s conviction regarding life’s path of belief, which is not ready to compromise, so long, what one practices is in the constitution. Media exercises the conviction that, its mandate is to avail the truth and will not at all succumb to pressures either emanating from the corporate owners or advertisers. Nevertheless, the media will assume those having opposing ideas and will present their views in what it calls “Free Market of Ideas” (Lorimer, 2007). For instance, this is evident in America’s constitution as a freedom of the press. It implies that America currently operates under this theory, though, unreservedly numerous organizations are opposing it especially after the constitution’s adoption. Famous for believing in this theory was Thomas Jefferson, who argued that if a man can utilize reason, the majority would result to making sound verdicts despite citizens that might not. This theory emanated from England and then to date its applicability is influential globally due to the freedom it offers to its audience. This entails an individual’s choice and respect for reasoning despite the diverse conflicting stands by the individuals. Social responsibility It borrows the concept of Libertarian theory, but stipulates the media’s role (Lorimer, 2007). This entails the belief that media will work effectively and adhere to all the set guidelines if occasionally the government intervenes in reminding it about its duties. The theory advocates that the media besides reporting, it thoroughly report all the issue’s sides, hence becoming responsible to society. In addition, media should be “an alert element” that will keep the society informed and equipped with adequate information to facilitate democracy (Lorimer, 2007). This encompasses that media managers have the mandate to choose effectively and decide which facts and information should be available for public. Because this helps, the society in making quality resolutions that will not harm in return or regret due to misinformation. The theory calls for the media to practise genuineness, truthfulness, neutrality, decorum, fair play and respect for a personal’s privacy. Conversely, this theory does not offer complete freedom as compared to libertarian, since it depends on the liberty of others (Lorimer, 2007). This implies the right of an individual that seem to interfere with that of the majority; the necessary authorities may bar it and adopt majority’s common welfare. However, the society exercises its privileges to decide what is suitable depending on what one wants, though with keen observance of interfering with other’s rights. Primarily, this may occur spontaneously due to adequate informing of individuals regarding diverse implications that emanate from their actions. This theory is the best ideal way of conducting media activities due to its observance of five key pillars that entail incorporating the diversity of different traditions with high professionalism (Lorimer, 2007). Nevertheless, the theory has encountered criticism from numerous agencies and individuals, but its support from genuine sides has enabled it play key roles in America’s media practices. The accommodative nature of the theory enables it to execute its duties effectively. Since, besides the overseeing the government, it has also an expecting society eager for adequate information to make quality verdicts. This has prompted it utilized in numerous states globally, due to the interactive nature whose aim is to ensure, which the society is adequately equipped with the right information. Contrary, this is not evident with Libertarian theory, which entails only availing the required information and less concerned with exact interpretation of information for the society (Lorimer, 2007). Hence, the mandate of interpretation is the responsibility of the individuals, who at some occasions result to adopting wrong verdicts despite having all the information at their disposal. Political economic theory This theory indicates the contribution of political perspectives and economies as concerning media operations. The theory thus seeks to illustrate ways that economies, political arenas and movements influence media. Media thus involves aspects that compel its responses in diverse fields. Aspects included in this theory dictate broadcasts for various media institutions like the CBC (Lorimer, 2007). Therefore, excluding Political economies as regarding media would appear absurd. The theory enlightens on developments illustrated by states among capitalist, communism and further movements. For instance, this theory employs Marxist ideologies. The Marxist perspectives incorporate capitalist views. Capitalist ideologies illustrate that media ownership rests on dominant bodies and figures. These involve political institutions and well-off portions of people. Most media arenas serve as enterprises below the possession of corporations. This aspect instills financial objectives to media and thus the organizations operate with reduced regard for societies (Lorimer, 2007). Business personalities and enterprises significantly shape media and its operations. Therefore, media always involves economic perspectives that explain its responsibilities in producing news. Media contend with political issues in its functioning. For instance, propaganda constitutes a crucial aspect of media below this theory (Lorimer, 2007). This propaganda stems from political institutions and personalities. Propaganda thus includes a matter of concern that media should respond. In addition, this aspect renders media responsive to superior persons like those in political arenas. Moreover, media endures lots of pressure from political fields. This owes clarification to the ideology that media acts with increased favor to powerful fronts. Underprivileged people like those illustrating low economic circumstances entail no position under this theory (Lorimer, 2007). The theory thus demonstrates that media acts with biasness and reduced concern for the minorities. This draws explanation from excessive power availed to political bodies and personalities. In addition, the theory expounds that superior bodies and business people directly decide on media operations. Therefore, media fields serve masses with reduced loyalty. Poor minorities thus entail no space for reaching decisions for media fields because of biasness in the arena (Lorimer, 2007). Comparison Comparison between libertarian, social and political economic theories Libertarian theory involves allowing societies to create last decisions, whereas this is not the case with political economic and social responsibility (Lorimer, 2007). This expounds that societies entail the liberty of deciding on various media matters as regarding libertarian theory. This includes decisions about sensitive and mild matters affecting people’s lifestyles. In addition, members entail the responsibility of reaching decisions without interferences or corrections from media or authorities. Therefore, persons can reach decisions that influence other society members positively or adversely. This aspect explains that societies can suffer from decisions reached by members. However, social responsibility ascertains that society members reach decisions after information from media on the rightful procedures (Lorimer, 2007). Social responsibility necessitates a couple of regulations. This includes informing members about matters before attaining decisions. In addition, the theory assumes the responsibility of denying members from creating decisions that can negatively sway societies. Moreover, the theory ascertains that there involves total awareness to societies that enables them achieve perfect decisions. Contrary, the political theory includes influences posed by authoritative bodies and economies to media (Lorimer, 2007). This explains roles of governments and influential figures as concerning decisions of media. In addition, this theory includes application of Marxist aspects about economies. Marxist perspectives expound that capitalist ideas influence media fields. For instance, powerful individuals decide upon news and actions by media fronts. This explains reduced freedom for media and oppression among societies. In addition, the theory explains that poor individuals entail no voice below this theory (Lorimer, 2007). Most preferred theory for societies Social responsibility involves the utmost selection concerning media. This owes support to the limitations presented to society persons before reaching decisions. The theory outlines that society members acquire information regarding matters before they attain decisions (Lorimer, 2007). In addition, the theory expounds that persons generate decisions that positively define their societies. Decisions thus are after persons follow policies positioned for them. Governments around US employ the theory because it allows societies to involve in decision creation. In addition, the theory ascertains that other members endure no negative effects from decisions of others (Lorimer, 2007). Moreover, the theory serves as a basis for most democratic authorities. This owes clarification from the ideology that the theory restricts biasness from media fields. In addition, media responds to resolutions that entail no harmful effects for members. The theory also assures that there entails equality. This stems from the information that decision-making entails no connection to someone’s social classes (Lorimer, 2007). Therefore, poor individuals also enjoy freedom below this theory. Theories like political economic despise underprivileged people by failing to grant an opening to contribute in decision creation. Contrary, political economic perspectives allow superior persons define media arenas. This aspect denies the media liberty to handle citizens equally and without bias. In conclusion, the essay seeks explaining on theories involved in media. This includes libertarian, social responsibility and political-economic theories. In addition, there involves explanations about the theories. Moreover, the essay seeks explaining reasons for preference of social responsibility around US and other democratic fields. Therefore, the theories define media and societies they serve. References Lorimer, R. (2007). Mass Communication in Canada. United Kingdom: OUP Oxford. Read More