The Libertarian Theory (L.T.) and the Social Responsibility Theory (S.R.T.) are two of the four normative theories that views how the media ought to, or is expected to function in terms of structure and performance. The two theories arguably have certain similarities.
SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THE TWO THEORIES
In both the Libertarian and Social Responsibility theories, the media is seen as an organization that seeks to establish their independence as searchers of the “objective truth”. They seek independence from government control and influence so that public regulations and restrictions will not make them ineffective to function.
There is actually no public law that prohibits journalists from reporting on ineffective to function for instance in the Ghanaian system, however should a journalist report the objective truth on an issue pending in court where the trial has not seen justice and say so, the journalist could be cited by the court for contempt of court. This puts fear in some journalists in reporting the truth on certain issues of that nature. This is what both theories speak against.
The media is seen as the fourth estate aside the three other arms of government; the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. The media by this accepts the responsibility towards the society to provide them with information of interest about activities of the three arms of government. This explains why there is information flowing all the time, courtesy the media to abreast society of issues or incidents happening which are of interest or concern to them. In this sense the media plays the watchdog role. *The media applies regulations.
The media fulfills its responsibility by setting out certain professional standards to supply of information and the truth, accuracy, objectivity and balance in their reportage. All media houses in Ghana are govern by certain code of ethics that have been set by stakeholders of the media. All media houses in Ghana are members of a body, the National Media Commission (N.M.C.). And journalists for instance should belong to the Ghana Journalists Association (G.J.A.) and be guided by the GJA code of ethics whereas Public Relation Officers belong to the Institute of Public Relations, Ghana.
The media collectively represent the views of the people, that is all social groups and reflect the diversity of society by giving people access to a variety of viewpoints and opportunity to reach them. One expectation is to disallow discrimination or bias of any sort. Issues that are taken on by the media should allow all persons involved to air their views or perhaps seek their side of the story. Interested persons the issues pertaining should as well be able to reach the media to contribute in discussions of those issues. Most of the programs hosted by usually the radio stations in Ghana attempt to involve people who are concerned or needed in their matters of consideration.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO THEORIES
But just as there are similarities between the two theories in consideration; the libertarian and the Social Responsibility Theory, so are the existing differences between the two.
These differences make each of the theory distinct in its own way. *In the Libertarian theory, the media is viewed to play a purely watchdog role. That is to say, the media keeps an eye or a check on government activities, thereby revealing any abuse of power in the exercise of state authority.
This is the principal role and function of the media. This as well dictates the form in which the media should be organized, that is in a free market. The Social Responsibility Theory works differently from this function. The S.R.T. is seen as a propagandist that carries spreads out the government of the day’s initiatives to the people. The media in this aspect publicizes the governments programs and should not involve in criticizing the government.
This is because the media is believed to be engaged in decision making by representing the views of the people. Any criticism therefore by the people through the media should not be allowed; rather it should welcome and accepted. *Another difference between the two theories is the fact that the S.R.T. functions to fulfill societal expectation.
The media supports democratic political principles. The S.R.T. functions in the interest of all people. However, the Libertarian theory as its looks very effective and applicable in a capitalist society does not function basically in the interest of the society as a whole but in the interest of a few dominant groups and classes. Most private owned media houses in Ghana seem to practice the Libertarian theory because of their funding and as such can influence a story in a particular direction to favor the dominant group.
The State-owned media houses like Ghana Broadcasting Corporation on the other hand are seen to be promoting the initiatives of the government of the day and other issues which are in the interest of the masses. *One distinctive feature about the Libertarian Theory is the conception that no attacks on the government or parties should be punishable.
This is to ensure that the media’s role as a watchdog is well established and that those in authority do not abuse the power given to them. Those in power can be corrupt and power-drank that is why the media should not be hindered in their task to ensure there is no such abuses of authority. Some of the newspapers in Ghana for instance like the “Daily Guide”, “Insight”, “Crusading Guide” among others are seen daily and weekly bombarding and attacking government officials of certain wrongs.
The S.R.T. is its performance and the government officials to carry on with their activities which they believe is in the interest of the masses. But just as politicians can abuse the authority given to them because power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, so are the media likely to do if given absolute power.
That is why there are limitations on their freedom. As it is rightly said by Stuart Mill: “the freedom of the individual is constrained by the freedom of other individuals”. The Press’ freedom ends where another’s does begin. ON ASSIGNMENT
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 1:55 PM
From:
"lovesone@ymail.com"
No comments:
Post a Comment