A complete package of all the expected perspectives of soviet theory of press

1. By Nabeel Raza

2.  Normative theories were first proposed by Fred Siebert, Theodore
Peterson and Wilbur Schramm in their book called “Four Theories of
the Press”.
 It is a type of theory that describes an ideal way that how media
should be structured and operated within the society or how
journalism/ media ought to, or are expected to, operate – what is
desirable in relation to both structure and performance.
 It shows how the press operated under the various political
environments

3.  These theories are basically different from other communication theories because
normative theories of press are not providing any scientific explanations or
prediction. At the same these “four theories of the press” were came from many
sources rather than a single source
 Siebert, Peterson & Schramn (1956) proposed that the press system is divided
into four categories:
 1. Authoritarian Theory
 2. Libertarian Theory
 3. Social Responsibility Theory
 4. Soviet-Totalitarian Theory

4.  After the 1917th revolution, the Soviet Union was restructured with
new political system based on the Marxist-Leninist principles. The
newly formed communist party by Lenin shows much interest in the
media which serves to the working class in the country and their
welfares
 The same theory was developed and followed by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi
in Germany and Benito Mussolini in Italy
 Close to Authoritarian theory but positive in outlook
 The media is an instrument of the government

5.  The media should be closely tied to other sources of government
power.
 Two way communication
 Freedom and responsibility are inseparably linked
 WHO HAS THE RIGHT TO USE THE MEDIA:
Loyal and orthodox party members

6.  To control media
 Create Classless society
 State have absolute power to control any media for the benefits of people
 No absolute freedom
 Create a strong socialized society
 Educate the greater masses of working class
 The media’s main purpose is to act as a tool for government propaganda
 Encourage to give feedback(key difference b/w Authoritarian and this)

7.  Private ownership is not allowed
 Restriction based on the nation interest
 Journalist or press should support the leadership rather than a watchdog.

8.  Nation interest rather than personal
 Media performs positive functions for society
 Social welfare and control
 Feedback’s importance and it’s influence
 truthful information
 Promote Your own culture
 media reports less on the bad things that happen under communism

9.  If the leadership is wrong the whole nation will suffer a lot
 emphasize the bad things that happen in democratic areas
 Criticism is prohibited
 Controlled freedom
 hampers personal growth