The document discusses the social responsibility theory of the press. It argues that while the press is free from government interference, it can still be controlled by corporate interests if it is not vigilant. The press has a duty to provide information needed for political systems and self-governance, act as a government watchdog, bring together buyers and sellers, provide entertainment, and be profitable enough to avoid outside pressures. The theory essentially advocates for non-authoritarian media controls, as seen in some form in France, Israel, and Sweden.

1. “Media for the benefit of Public”
• The social responsibility theory of the press is an
outgrowth of libertarian theory.
• The theory based on the concern that, although
the press may be free from interference by the
government, the press can still be controlled by
corporate interests.
• If the press is not sufficiently vigilant, it is the duty
of some representative of the public to force it
be responsible.

2. Press must provide the
following social functions:
• Provide information needed for
political system
• Give public information needed
for self-governance
• Serve as a government
watchdog.
• Bring together buyers and
• Provide entertainment
• Be profitable enough to avoid
outside pressures

3. Essentially advocates
non-authoritarian media
controls.
France, Israel and
Sweden all operate
under some form of
social responsibility
controls.
Response to Hutchins
Commission report of
the late 1940s

10. Norms for the Press in the
Twenty-First Century
An addition: Development Theory
Developing nations may need to implement press controls in
order to promote industry, national identity, and partnerships
with neighboring nations.
Do these controls differ from authoritarian
controls?
Chaves silenced the most popular TV
Channel in Venezuela.

11. The internet in the
Twenty-First Century
The internet is still evolving and
changing, just as radio did in
1920’s and television in the
1950’s.
*Truth Four: Nothing is new: Everything that
happened in the past will happen again.

12. Author, Tom STANDAGE claims that
telegraph was the internet of
nineteenth century.
A world wide communications network, whose cables
spanned continents and oceans , it revolutionized business
practice, gave rise to new forms of crime, and inundated
its users with a deluge of information.
.

13. But we have to remember that!
The internet was the only medium that incorporates
elements of interpersonal, group and mass
communication.
The unique nature of the Internet, especially in a global
context, poses new moral dilemmas concerning national
boundaries, corporate control, freedom of the
press, and the rights of individuals.