Libertarian Theory

Introduction
Libertarian theory talks about the right of an individual and advocates the absence of restraint. This theory can be traced back to the 17th century when the printing press came into being. The theory was based on the philosophy that man is a rational animal with inherent natural rights, one of them being the right to pursue truth. It also advocated the restraint of interferers like the State. The Libertarian theory is the complete opposite of the Authoritarian theory which states that All forms of communication works under the control of government or the elite. This enables the press to serve as a check on the government and allows the media to be the Fourth pillar of democracy.

Assumptions
The Libertarian theory assumes that man is a rational being and can differentiate right from wrong without the interference of an authoritative figure. It stresses on the fact that the pursuit of truth is one of the basic rights of man and that press should be allowed absolute freedom for the same. No restrictions should be imposed on the press and people should exercise the right to decide whether the information is right or not. The press is free to analyze and criticise government policies and act as a watchdog.

Since the people can discern between truth and falsehood and consequently can choose between a better and worse alternative; having been exposed to a press operating as a free market place of ideas, the people will also contribute in determining public policy. The theory also states that opposing viewpoints will be heard and that the media would not cave into outside pressures. The libertarian press has the right to publish anything, anyhow and anywhere. This however does not mean that there will not be any laws; the law of sedition, slander and libel are still applicable. This theory helps keep the government in check thus making corruption minimal or nonexistent.

Advocates

Etienne de La Boetie The modern libertarian theory emerged through the writings of Boetie who was an eminent French Theorist. In his essay, Discours de la servitude volontaire ou le Contrun (Discourse on Voluntary Servitude, or the Anti-Dictator) , Boetie discusses the evils of an authoritarian regime and proposes the liberal school of thought. John Locke Known as the Father of Classical Liberalism, Locke was one of the most influential Enlightenment thinkers. Michael Zuckert argues that Locke had launched liberalism by separating the Church and State. The founding fathers of America also drew inspiration from Locke. Contemporary libertarians regard Locke as an important influence.

Thomas Jefferson The third president of United States of America, Jefferson believed that if man exercised reason, the majority, as a group would make sound decisions, even if individual citizens might not. He stated, Were it left to me to decide whether we should have government without newspapers or newspapers without government, I should not hesitate for a moment to prefer the latter. But I should mean that every man should receive those papers and be capable of reading them. John Milton In his Aeropagitica (1644), Milton refers to a self-righting process if free expression is permitted by saying let truth and falsehood grapple. Milton was a strong supporter of Liberalism. John Stuart Mill In his essay On Liberty, Mill explains that the essay is not the so called liberty of the will, so unfortunately opposed to the misnamed doctrine of Philosophical Necessity; but Civil, or Social Liberty: the nature and limits of the power which can be legitimately exercised by the society over the individual. He discusses the ongoing struggle between authority and liberty and how authority inhibits public will.

Drawbacks of Libertarian Theory

Personal privacy is abused by libertarian press. If the press is allowed to publish anything then offensive material could also get published. Issues that are linked with national security can get compromised. Without any checks, the press can stir public emotions and give rise to media induced revolutions. Objectivity would not be given precedence.

Examples
WikiLeaks and Edward Snowden: Both Julian Assange, WikiLeaks creator, and Snowden argue that the people have every right to know what the government is doing especially when it concerns the privacy and welfare of the people. WikiLeaks published confidential and classified documents in public space. These articles provided brief knowledge about the government and its activities. Assange believes that these documents will enable the people and society to decide whether what their government is doing is right or not and will affect their decision in electing a just leader. Snowden intentionally disclosed the surveillance operations undertaken by the NSA. He argues that spying on citizens is not morally right and that the citizens have every right to know of this activity. He has currently taken asylum in Russia.

Social Responsibility Theory

Introduction

The basic tenet of Libertarian Theory of Press; the concept of press with no restraints, gave rise to Social Responsibility Theory. It states that the press has an obligation to act so that it benefits the society at large. The theory advocates that the sole purpose of media is to educate the masses and not to give out sensitive information. The public is further encouraged to give feedback which would enable the media to cater to its interests effectively. This theory came into being in the 20th century to act as a replacement of the Libertarian theory. It was introduced in 1940s and was recommended by the Hutchins Commission during the Freedom of Press Commission meeting.

Assumptions
Free press without censorship should be allowed but at the same time should accept any obligation from public interference and professional self-regulations. The press ownership should be private so that the State does not control and influence it. The press should have high standards of professionalism and objectivity, as well as truth and accuracy. The Media should reflect the diversity of the cultures they represent. The press should be regulated and follow certain rules.

The benefit of the masses should be kept in mind. National security should not be compromised. Although conceding that man is a rational being, this theory denies that man is active and seeks out truth naturally. This theory argues that man chooses and accepts what he is told. Social Responsibility theory negates the Authoritarian theory but at the same time does not support the Libertarian theory wholly. While exercising freedom, the press should also exercise responsibility towards the receptive public.

Advocates

Robert Maynard Hutchins He introduced the Social Responsibility Theory in the Commission of the Freedom of Press in the United States in the 1940s. Wilbur Schramm, Siebert and Theodore Paterson In their book, Four Theories of Press, they state that pure libertarianism is antiquated, outdated and obsolete. They were virulent critics of the Free Press Theory and advocated the need for its replacement by the Social Responsibility Theory.

Advantages of Social Responsibility Theory

Avoids conflict situation during war or emergency by accepting the public opinion. The audience and press critics can raise questions if anything is published or broadcasted wrongly and in a manipulative way. Press Standards will improve. Press will focus on all classes of audience rather than just focusing on the higher classes. Press may work autonomously but certain things like the issue of national security are controlled by the government and other public organisations.

Similarities between Libertarian and Social Responsibility Theory

The main similarity is that they both stress on the freedom of the media. They also stress on the non-interference of the government They also advocate the need for access to diversity in information by the people They both advocate the need of being watchdogs

Differences between Libertarian and Social Responsibility Theory

In the Libertarian Theory, the media is not bound by any rules. The media is free to report anything without taking the effect on public into consideration; whereas in Social Responsibility Theory, the press has to follow a certain code of conduct. The idea of responsibility in Social Responsibility Theory imposes certain restrictions on the press but absolute freedom has been granted to the press in the Libertarian Theory. The Libertarian Theory does not provide an objective view on a subject whereas Social Responsibility Theory allows for objectivity and accountability of the press. Libertarian Theory does not preach professionalism whereas Social Responsibility encourages professionalism.

Presented by :Latika Sharma Garima Singh Kakoli Chakraborty Sanjay Singh Mudit Mani Tiwari