MEDIA
OWNERSHIP
The media are assigned the role
of creating the sense of identification through expression of essential
cultural values and symbols and by giving desirable interpretations to event
This is in consonance with the view that media helps to establish in order of
priorities in a society about that society's problems and objectives, not by
initiating or determining, but by publicizing according to an agreed scale of
values of what is determined in a political system. (Curran, 1997) For, the cultural
values, symbols and interpretations to be propagated by the media are bound to
be approved by the political leaders.
In mass
communication according to the school of thought widely accepted in a
democratic nation, there are four theories of the relationships between the
press and the society namely: -
1. Authoritarian
theory
2. Libertarian
theory
3. Communist
theory
4. Social
responsibility theory
Authoritarian theory this is the
oldest developed in the 16th and 17th century in England.
The main purpose of this theory is to support government policies and serve the
state. Media under this theory is control by the government or its officials.
Although private ownership of the press is allowed, it is used as an instrument
for affecting government policies. The role performed by the media in this
theory is discrimination of information, ideas attitudes, instructions and
direction from the ruling class to the citizen.
FEATURES OF
THE PRESS UNDER AUTHORITARIAN THEORY
1. Media
shouldn't do anything that could undermine the government
2. The
government monopolizes the media.
3. Alternative
views have no place in the media.
4. Censorship
can be used to ensure compliance
The system was practiced by most
government in Europe namely Britain, France, Germany etc.
LIBERTARIAN
THEORY
This theory developed following
the growth of democracy and freedom of speech. It was first practiced in
England in the late seventeenth century and it later spread to the United State
of America.
The main
purpose of this theory is that the press should inform, educate, entertain,
mobilize, pursue and enlighten but most importantly it helps to discover the
truth and serve as a check on government. Media under this theory can be
privately owned. The theory is different from the first one because under
libertarian theory the media serves as a watch dog on the government. The main
objectives of this theory are: -
1. There
shouldn't be any prior censorship of publication by a third party.
2. The business
of publication as well as mat of distribution has to be opened for people
without licenses
3. There should
be no compulsion to any publication.
4. There should
be free flow of information within outside national boundaries.
Some of the libertarian
philosophers include Thomas Jefferson, John Stuart Mill, John Milton and John
Locke.
SOCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY THEORY
This theory developed from USA on
the 20th century out the writings of WE Hutchkins. Under this theory
the press is controlled through community opinions and professional ethics. It
is privately owned and expected that the press under this concept should assume
social responsibility, it should be free but self regulatory and both the
society and state are fairly represented. The concept emphasized the following
points:
1. Individual
and minority group have right to access the media.
2. The
organization and content of the media shouldn't be subjected to centralized
political or state bureaucratic control.
COMMUNIST
THEORY
This theory developed after the
1917 Russian Revolution. It was a product of Marxist / Leninist and Stalinist;
determination to uphold their parties control in Russia. The purpose of the
theory was 'to maintain the Soviet socialist system especially to the dictation
and rotation of the party. Under this theory private ownership of the media is
not allowed and that the media should support progressive movement at home and
abroad. What may be classified as absolute and control pattern operate in
communist China and the Soviet Union now Russia. In this theory it was obvious
that the media were completely in the hands of ruling communist party which
formed the government. Therefore there are no proprietors no share holders no
founders than the government. In a nut shell the government hundred percent
owned and fund me media.
REFERENCE
1. Nigerian
Media Law and Ethics by Prince Tony Momoh I/Introduction to Mass Communication
Practice in Nigeria by J.A. Sambe
2. Press
Development in Nigeria (A Comparative Analysis) By Christian Best.
3. Introduction
to Mass Communication Laws by Sani Bello.
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