Four Theories of Press Authoritarian, Libertarian, Social Responsibility

The Four Theories of the Press are Authoritarian, Libertarian, Social Responsibility, and Communist Soviet Theory. Also 4 Theories of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Four Theories of the Press

The four theories of the press are authoritarian, libertarian, social responsibility, and communist soviet theory. In 1956, three scholars, Schramm, Siebert, and Peterson, published the Four Theories of the Press Book. It is also known as the Four Theories of the Press by Wilbur Schramm 1956.

The press plays different roles in diverse countries globally. The press roles and news values in journalism differ from country to country for its political ideology. For example, in the USA, the press can focus on all types of news values including negativeness; but, in North Korea, the press can not practice freely. The Four Theories of the Press Book describes a framework for understanding the role of the press in different political and social contexts. The four theories of the press are Authoritarian Theory, Libertarian Theory, Social Responsibility Theory, and Communist Soviet Theory.

What are the Four Theories of the Press?

The 4 Theories of the Press are:
  1. Authoritarian Theory
  2. Libertarian Theory
  3. Social Responsibility Theory
  4. Communist Soviet Theory

Four theories of the press

1. Authoritarian Theory of the Press

The authoritarian theory explains that the government authority directly controls the communication outlets. The government controls the press, information, and communication systems directly and indirectly (Siebert, Peterson, & Schramm, 1956). Sometimes, the government assigns authority to regulate the whole process of the information and communication system in the country. The agency controls the press thoroughly on behalf of the government. For example, the Korean Central News Agency controls the mass media outlets in North Korea.

The press cannot work independently. So, it publishes news and information that the government wants to know about the public in the country.  The authority sets the code of conduct for the news agencies. Therefore, the news publishing outlets must follow the rules and regulations the management sets. The authority also has the right to provide a license and cancel it. Usually, they revoke the license when the media violates the policies imposed by the government. The media practitioners thoroughly follow the government’s instructions to publish hard news and feature articles.

Characteristics of Authoritarian Press
  • The authoritarian press is subject to censorship and control by the government and the state.
  • The government strictly regulates the media outlets to suppress dissent.
  • Media outlets are either owned by the government or controlled by government regulation.
  • The primary objective of the media outlets is to support government activities and policies locally and internationally.
Authoritarian Theory of the Press Example

During the Second World War, Hitler controlled the news media in Germany; hence, no press could publish news without the authority’s permission.

authoritarian theory of the press example in Afghanistan in 2022 when Taliban Took over the power

For example, in 2021, the Taliban took over power in Afghanistan, and the management excessively controls all media. Similarly, the army chief Min Aung Hlaing seized power in Myanmar in 2021.

The Global Investigative Journalism Network published the World Press Freedom Index country ranking list in 2024. According to the report, Eritrea ranked 180th and fell at the bottom of the list.

For example, Eritrea, Syria, North Korea, Myanmar, Iran, Vietnam and Afghanistan.

2. Libertarian Theory

Libertarian theory refers to the freedom of the press to disseminate information (Siebert et al., 1956). Therefore, it is also known as the normative theory of mass communication. Mass media outlets are entirely free to publish any ethical news and information. The press works as the watchdog of the community and society in the country.

John Milter was the first introducer to the libertarian press concept. Firstly, In the 1700s, authorities applied the libertarian theory of the press in the USA. After that, and in the 1900s, Europe accepted it. As per the Libertarian press, human beings have the right to know the accurate information published by mass media outlets. The press should disseminate the actual news to society’s people.

Sometimes Wiki leaks platform publishes confidential documents to the public. Therefore, the governments of many countries worldwide do not allow to practice libertarian press system, and it can impact the political parties to form the government.

Characteristics of Libertarian Theory
  • The owners of the media outlets are mass people and they operate the press freely under government policy.
  • The primary objective of media outlets is to express opinions freely.
  • The press serves as a watchdog for society and the country, maintaining government policy.
  • The press prioritizes public debate and opinion.

Example: The United States and other democratic countries where the press operates independently, and freedom of the press is protected by law.

Libertarian Theory of the Press Examples

Firstly, mass media and communication systems are free from the government to publish news. The government does not control the press when it disseminates information, even though it criticizes its activities. Therefore, journalists and media practitioners manage the press directly.

For example, Canada, Switzerland, and New Zealand

3. Social Responsibility Theory of Press

Social responsibility theory explains that the press media do not need permission from the government to distribute news and information; however, they think about society when publishing news. Therefore, the social responsibility theory of the press has linked the libertarian and authoritarian theories. It lies between those two theories. The media are somewhat free from the government but controlled by the people of the country’s society.

Characteristics of Social Responsibility Press
  • The media outlets are free to disseminate information but self-regulated to ensure ethical standards.
  • The press is not biased by government agencies or mass people.
  • Media publish authentic, balanced, and appropriate information. for the society and country.
  • The media outlets highlight social responsibility avoiding causing harm.
Social Responsibility Theory of the Press Example

In mid 20th century, many countries applied the social responsibility theory incorporating “the Commission of the Freedom of Press” in the United States in 1949. Anyone can express their opinion through mass media. Additionally, mass media play an essential role in raising a voice against discrimination and corruption. The BBC in the United Kingdom operates under a public service mandate, aiming to inform, educate, and entertain while adhering to high ethical standards.

For example, In the USA, UK, and India

4. Communist Soviet Theory

Communist Soviet Theory describes that the ministry of the respective government controls the press media, but they are free to work for the society. The government regulates and guides mass media outlets for the benefit of the people. They can publish any news without obtaining permission from the authorities, but the government agency controls the entire system at the end of the day.

Communist Soviet Theory Example

The Soviet Union was reconstructed with the new norms based on the Marxist-Leninist beliefs in the 1917th revolution. Communist Soviet Theory is also known as Soviet Media Theory. This theory is generated from authoritarian theory but contradicted by the libertarian theory. The government agency owns the press media, but they are free to work for society. Finally, the government set up official media to deliver the information to society.

Characteristics of Communist Soviet Theory
  • The media outlets are owned and regulated by the ruling Communist Party.
  • Media play a role as a wing of the state, highlighting socialist values.
  • They do not support dissenting opinions; focus on the ideology of the state.
  • The primary role of the media is to educate people and mobilize public support for the communist government

Example: The Soviet Union and other communist states, where the media outlet functions to promote the ideology of the Communist Party.

For example, In Russia, China, and Cuba

Citation For This Article (APA 7th Edition)
Kobiruzzaman, M. M. (2024). Four Theories of the Press- Authoritarian, Libertarian, Social Responsibility & Communist Soviet. Newsmoor- Educational Website For Online Learning. https://newsmoor.com/four-theories-of-the-press-authoritarian-libertarian-social-responsibility-theory/
Reference
Siebert, F., Peterson, T. B., & Schramm, W. (1956). Four theories of the press: The authoritarian, libertarian, social responsibility, and Soviet communist concepts of what the press should be and do (Vol. 10). University of Illinois Press.

Application Letter Sample For Promotion, Leave and Apology

Application Letter Sample For Promotion, Leave, and Apology. Promotional application or Application letter sample for promotion, Application letter sample for leave of absence, Application letter sample for the apology.

Application letter

Application letters refer to the formal statement that is written to inform someone regarding something. Sometimes, it is written to request someone to get somethings. Therefore, the application letter is also known as requesting the letter. People write application letters to apply for jobs, promotions, leave, and so more. For example, an application for promotion is a written statement to ask for the promotion. The promotional application describes the applicant’s recent activities and requests for promotion. The application letter should be formal, organized, and sophisticated to attract the authority to be invited for the job interview.

Application Letter Sample

Application letter samples mean the format and structure of the application letter. The author has presented a few samples of application letters for our audiences. The first sample of the application letter is requesting a promotion. It shows how to write a formal application to the Boss for promotion.

Application Letter Sample For Leave of Absence

Write a direct message to your supervisor asking for a promotion and also justifying your promotion by giving all necessary valid points.

Application Letter Sample For Promotion
Application For Promotion & Cover Letter Template For Promotion

Your Name
Your Digital Marketing Manager
email…

Date

Recipient’s Name
Title
Also, contact information

Subject:  Application for promotion

Dear [Mr./Ms. Last Name],

Thank you for having a look at this application letter. I am writing this letter requesting you to consider my application for promotion.

I have been working hard in this company since 2016, and I believe you have my previous working record and statement. I have contributed enough to achieve our marketing goal based on my latest record.

For example, I have regulated social media paid advertising last six months. We have got approximately 200 customers from Facebook and Instagram paid advertising campaigns. I have regulated our marketing team regularly to run social media campaigns smoothly. Additionally, I worked with many potential customers, and later they agreed to buy our product and service. According to the last five year’s record, it has the most number of customers that we got from social media marketing policy, and I have directly regulated it.

Additionally, in the COVID-19 pandemic, many organizations have encountered huge losses due to declining sales. However, our company did not face the crisis during the pandemic time. According to the last one year records, our company’s selling record is very good and revenue. It has been possible only for the digital marketing policy I proposed last year to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

I have set up the CRM tool for providing better service to our customers, and it is really working very well. Now, we can reach our clients very quickly to send them a promotional message. Based on the customer’s feedback, they are satisfied with our CRM tool established and regulated by the digital marketing team. However, I am planning to establish an SRM tool to rapport effective relationships with suppliers and stakeholders.

Now, I need to work more than working hours. I need to talk to our potential customers after office hours. Last six months, I have been working from both home and office due to the imposing countrywide lockdown by the government. I am planning to achieve 500 customers from digital marketing in the next six months.

Although I am delighted with the successes mentioned above, I want to thank my juniors, coworkers, and superiors for achieving this massive goal.

I know that the role of a digital marketing manager is very important and challenging work in the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, I need to obtain more skills to compete with our competitors. So, I have no problem working more to achieve beat the competitors. I am really happy to work with you as well as our digital marketing team.

However, I know my position will be vacant if you accept my promotional application. I would like to inform you that we have many employees who are capable of holding my position. So, it will not affect the task of our marketing campaign. Furthermore, I can train them to handle my current responsibilities.

I would be very appreciative if you consider me for the promotion, and thank you again for reading my application. I am always ready to be interviewed if you want to evaluate my expertise for the position.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Write an application letter to your boss for a duty leave of 5 days as you want to take your family member abroad for medical treatment.

Application Letter Sample For Leave of Absence

Your Name
Your Digital Marketing Manager
Email

Date

To
Name
Address

Subject: Leave application due to taking my wife abroad for medical treatment.

Dear Mr./Mrs. {Recipient’s Name},

I am writing this letter requesting you to grant my leave application. I really dislike taking leave, but it is an emergency, begging you. Recently, I have not applied for any emergency leave. You may check my previous record for further inquiries.

My wife has been sick since last week, so I admitted her to the Apollo hospital yesterday. Today, the physician informed me that she had been diagnosed with dengue. The condition of my wife is deteriorating day by day. Therefore, the physician has instructed me to take abroad for medical treatment.

As per the physician’s instruction, I plan to take my wife to Singapore for better treatment. I have heard that Singapore General Hospital is excellent for the treatment of dengue patients. Hopefully, I will be able to come back within five days.

I expect to return to join work by next week on {date}. I believe I can complete the emergency task virtually; because I will try to keep in touch with you via social media platforms to ask for information regarding our current project. Additionally, I can join any virtual meeting if you want to conduct it.

I assure you confidently that my absence will not affect the current project negatively. In the meantime, I have already instructed my juniors officer thoroughly to look after the project properly during my absence.

I apologize for requesting you to grant my leave application, and hopefully, you will understand my situation.

Yours

sincerely,
{Your Name}

Write an application letter to your boss for asking apology for bad behavior during the staff meeting

Application Letter Sample For Apology
Your Name, Designation, and Contact

Date

To
Name
Address

Subject: Apology Letter for Bad Behavior during the staff meeting.

Dear Sir/Madam

I am writing this application to apologize for my bad behavior during yesterday’s staff meeting. I strongly regret my unexpected activities, and I know it has already portrayed a bad image to my colleagues and the management team member.

Actually, I have had an exhausting time the last few days and could not sleep properly yesterday night. I was not good mood when participating in the meeting yesterday. Additionally, my mental depression has triggered me to perform this kind of bad behavior.

I am very embarrassed about the actions that I have shown in the meeting. I am acknowledging my fault, and I know I am unable to show professional meeting norms. It is really unexpected and embarrassing for all of us. I should not have been angry at the meeting time.

However, I promise you that I will definitely control myself next time if any situation occurs like this incident. Additionally, I will see a psychologist to control my temper and I will try to be more conscious to participate in management meetings while suffering from depression.

I request you to accept my apologies and forgive me for behaving unprofessionally during the meeting. I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

Internship offer letter example

September 18, 2021

M M Kobiruzzaman
C-2-23A, South City Condominium,
Seri Kembangan, 43300, Selangor.

LETTER OF OFFER FOR INTERNSHIP

Dear Kobiruzzaman,

Congratulations! On behalf of RPA Journals, we are delighted to extend an offer to you for an educational internship position in the Digital Marketing Department. Although this position is located in London, United Kingdom (UK), you are assigned to work virtually. For this position, your fundamental duties include promotional content writing, guest posting, and search engine optimization (SEO) for the official website.

The internship position’s duration is six months, which is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2021, and end on February 27, 2021. As you are going to obtain academic credits from this program, RPA journals will not pay for your position. It is an unpaid internship position, so you cannot claim sponsored benefits. You are encouraged to report directly to Dr. Md Asadul Islam.

However, before joining the internship position, please make sure that you have submitted your academic results, passport size photographs, and permission letter issued by the University.

By accepting this offer, you acknowledge that you are compelled to follow the Data Protection Act 2018 in the UK. Additionally, you will not use any of our organization’s information and documents for personal purposes and will keep them confidential.

Please review this letter thoroughly, and sign and return it via email to contact@rpajournals.com to confirm your acceptance of the position.

Welcome to our team!

Sincerely,

Anthony Ramirez
Recruiter

I, M M Kobiruzzaman, accept the above offer and will begin the internship position on September 10, 2020.

[Signature line]

[Printed name]

[Date]”