Legal Articles Theories of Press September 27, 2012 by Tripti Malhotra | Leave a Comment Tripti Malhotra Mass media does not operate in a vacuum, the press always takes on the form and coloration of the social and political structures within which it operates. Normative theories were first proposed by Fred Siebert, Theodore Peterson and Wilbur Schramm in their book called “Four Theories of the Press”. At first the word […] Read more » American Society of Newspaper Editors addresses anti-Americanism Aspects of apartheid etc AUTHORITARIAN Authoritarian approach in Western Europe Bias against independent thinking Bias against the journalist Bill of Rights Canons of Journalism Classical liberal perspective combination of Communist ideas communist countries cornerstone of democracy democratic political principles derived from the ideologies of Marx emphasison personal freedom and democracy expansion of economic freedom Fascist regimes government as superior to the media institutions Governmental secrecy HATCHEN’S addition Idealism and Press Theories individual's right to freedom of expression Lack of democracy within media organisations laws governing media operations LIBERTARIAN THEORY Media cannot violate people’s rights modern society based on rise of democracy Normative Theory obsolete and inapplicable for contemporary analysis philosophical climate of the enlightenment priority given to communication freedom Propaganda model of Chomsky and Herman religious freedom revolutionary concept as being illegal social-responsibility ideals some African countries subversive mass communication utilizing the press Theories of Press undermined authoritarianism western theories of mass media