Normative press theory
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
National Defense University, Islamabad *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
MISC
Subject
Communications
Date
Nov 24, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
7
Uploaded by taimoortahir619
Title: Normative Press Theory: An Analysis of Press Systems, Ethics, and Freedom
Abstract:
In this paper the evolution of Normative Press Theory would be examined in depth in regard to the implications it has on the press systems, ethics, and the critical issue of press freedom. 1. Introduction
To understand the role of press in a democratic society, it is important to look at media studies so that fundamental framework could be understood under which the normative press theory operates governing the role of press. The main purpose is to answer fundamental questions about the operation and conduct of media organizations. This furthers its roots into the ethical principle which the media organizations should follow and the extent to which the media organizations should be regulated by external forces. It becomes imperative that the research examines the historical development and contemporary significance of this theory so
that importance of this theory could be contextualized.
2. Rationale/Objective
If the heart of modern media landscape is looked at there normative press theory could be found. The media ecosystem is undergoing a rapid evolution, this makes it necessary to gain understanding about how media companies are operating in this volatile landscape, what are they procedures to adhere to ethical standards and how the regulatory actions affect the freedom of press. The purpose of this paper is to provide readers with a comprehensive analysis of normative press theory and its profound impact on contemporary media practice. 3. Literature Review
Aristotle's Influence: The Roots of Normative Press Theory
Aristotle played a fundamental role in the development of normative press theory. The contributions he has
made, go beyond politics and ethics, spanning a wide range of fields, including rhetoric, poetics, and politics. In the context of Normative Press Theory, the groundwork was laid by artistotle, for considering the role of the media in governance by dividing government into three forms—monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy.
The potential advantages and disadvantages of any form of government are highlighted by the ideas presented by Aristotle. Monarchies are in danger of dictatorship, aristocracy may degenerate into oligarchy, and democracy may degenerate into mob rule. This early confrontation with power relations within the governmental system had lasting effects on discussions about media structure, regulation, and its relationship to democracy.
The Rise of Libertarianism: John Milton and the Championing of Press Freedom
17
th
Century became to be known as the Age of Reason because it had a significant impact in the history of press freedom as it served to be the tipping point. Aristotle’s ideas gained new life during this time which emphasized individualism and rationalism. The ideas presented by Aristotle are different when compared to Platonic Idealism, Mysticism, and Authoritarianism of the Anglican Church.
A noted Puritan Poet John Milton who is best known for his influential work in 1644 known as “Areopagitica”. In this impactful essay, Milton presented strong advocacy for free press and religious tolerance. He wanted a marketplace of ideas without any censorship from the church so that free exchange could take place. The principle of "self-correction" was introduced by Milton which argued that when confronted with lies, truth can prevail in public
discourse.
The Libertarian Movement was inspired by Milton’s masterpiece mocking the concept of licensing printing. "And though all the winds of doctrine were let loose to play upon the earth, so Truth be in the field, we do injuriously, by licencing and prohibiting, to misdoubt
her strength," he said. Let her and lies spar; who knew truth could be turned against itself in a
free and open encounter?
Utilitarianism and Pragmatism: Shaping Media Ethics and Regulation
During the Enlightenment, utilitarianism, or the pursuit of the greatest good for the greatest number, and pragmatism, which emphasises the practical and useful parts of an idea, emerged as significant philosophical bases. These theories have a considerable impact on arguments regarding press regulation and the role of the media in society.
The Yellow Journalism era exemplifies libertarian excesses. Profits and circulation were prioritised by media organisations, frequently at the expense of journalistic ethics. This period saw sensationalistic and erroneous reporting, prompting concerns about the press's role and the need for control.
4. Research or Data Gathering Method
A mixed-method approach has been used to conduct this study, which included significant research in library resources, access to online databases, and a thorough evaluation of academic journals. We prioritised historical significance and direct connections to the evolution of Normative Press Theory while selecting news media cases and stories pertinent to the topic.
5. Analysis
Aristotelian Values in Contemporary Context: Balancing Power and Democracy
Aristotle's description of governance models - monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy – is still
relevant in arguments concerning media systems today. Monarchy, historically associated with authoritarian countries, frequently results in media control and censorship. Aristocracy, like concentrated media ownership, can lead to an oligarchy in which a small few dictate
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
media content. The ideal type of governance is democracy, which symbolises the idea that the
media should serve as a check on power and offer citizens with diverse and balanced information.
In contemporary democratic societies, media often grapple with maintaining their independence while navigating political and economic pressures. The concept of a free press as a watchdog, a fundamental component of democracy, echoes Aristotle's concerns about the
potential perils of governance. However, as media organizations become entangled with powerful interests and economic pressures, achieving this balance becomes increasingly complex.
The Libertarian Legacy: Championing Press Freedom and Individualism
John Milton's legacy lives on in contemporary debates about press freedom. His support for free expression and opposition to censorship is a cornerstone of modern press ethics. However, there is still a conflict between unrestrained press freedom and ethical journalism.
The border between press freedom and the dissemination of misinformation has blurred in the
digital age, where everyone may be a publisher. The difficulty is to uphold press freedom values while adhering to ethical norms. As the internet serves as a forum for a diverse range of perspectives, concerns such as fact-checking, misinformation, and algorithm-driven content recommendation systems emerge. Ethical concerns in the digital age have sparked debate over the roles of platforms, social media, and individual bloggers in upholding journalistic ethics.
Challenges of Utilitarianism: Navigating Profit Motives and Ethical Dilemmas
The utilitarian approach, which seeks the greatest good for the greatest number of people, can
occasionally clash with ethical considerations in media. Profit-driven media outlets may prioritise sensationalism and profit over the search of truth and responsible journalism.
The Yellow Journalism era is a historical example of how profit considerations can lead to unethical media practises. During this time, sensationalism, misinformation, and ethical failings were frequent, prompting debates about the need for responsible journalism and media control.
In today's world, media organisations frequently face challenges in combining their financial viability with their ethical responsibilities. Advertisers, stakeholders, and the need for increased ratings can all jeopardise journalistic integrity. Ethical considerations today include
native advertising, clickbait, and media businesses' responsibilities to offer accurate and balanced information.
The Role of Regulation: Striking a Balance
The role of regulation is a major question in Normative Press Theory. How much influence should external authorities have over the media in order to ensure ethical behaviour and preserve the public interest?
Questions regarding content moderation, hate speech, and misinformation have pushed the issue over media regulation to the forefront in the digital age. Governments, technology corporations, and civil society are all attempting to strike a balance between safeguarding free
expression and avoiding harm. While emphasising the significance of a free press, Normative
Press Theory also advocates for media accountability, making it an appropriate paradigm for resolving these contemporary difficulties.
Press Freedom in the Digital Age: A New Frontier
In the digital age, press freedom, a hot topic in Normative Press Theory, has taken on new dimensions. While the internet has democratised the dissemination of knowledge, it has also generated new issues such as online abuse, cyberbullying, and disinformation operations. The
theory's press freedom principles have now been extended to incorporate internet privacy, data security, and the role of social media platforms in affecting public conversation.
6. Discussion of Implication
The importance of Normative press theory is highlighted by the findings presented in account
of the changing media landscape. Promoting responsible and ethical journalism which goes hand in hand with accuracy and impartiality. Furthermore, this study adds to current debates regarding media ethical responsibility and role of regulation in the safeguarding of the freedom of press. 7. Limitation
To present a more nuanced analysis and understanding of practical applications of Normative
press theory it is important to go through a more thorough examination of a larger range of cases, one limitation is that of news media cases. This study does not delve into the modern difficulties which are posed by digital media and internet which could serve as a topic for future research. 8. Conclusion
Normative Press Theory, based on Aristotle's intellectual principles and championed by figures such as John Milton, continues to have a significant impact on media ethics, regulation, and press freedom. The challenges offered by utilitarianism, as well as the changing media landscape, underscore the importance of continuing to think about the theory's consequences.
Understanding and supporting the concepts of Normative Press Theory remain critical in a society where the media's power and responsibility are growing. To guarantee the press's long-term integrity in democratic countries, media organisations, governments, and society as
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
a whole must constantly review the delicate balance between press freedom and responsible journalism.
References:
1.
Aristotle. (350 BCE). Politics
(Trans. B. Jowett). Retrieved from http://classics.mit.edu/Aristotle/politics.html
2.
Milton, J. (1644). Areopagitica
. Retrieved from https://www.dartmouth.edu/~milton/reading_room/areopagitica/
3.
Schramm, W., Lerner, D., & Lasswell, H. D. (1956). Four Theories of the Press: The Authoritarian, Libertarian, Social Responsibility, and Soviet Communist Concepts of What the Press Should Be and Do
. University of Illinois Press.
4.
Altschull, J. H. (1984). Agents of Power: The Media and Public Policy
. Longman.
5.
McChesney, R. W. (1999). Rich Media, Poor Democracy: Communication Politics in Dubious Times
. University of Illinois Press.
6.
Tuchman, G. (1978). Making News: A Study in the Construction of Reality
. Free Press.
7.
Curran, J., & Seaton, J. (2010). Power Without Responsibility: Press, Broadcasting and the Internet in Britain
. Routledge.
8.
McQuail, D. (2010). McQuail's Mass Communication Theory
. Sage Publications.
9.
Deuze, M. (2005). What is journalism? Professional identity and ideology of journalists reconsidered. In S. Allan (Ed.), Journalism: Critical Issues
(pp. 3-22). Open University Press.
10. Picard, R. G. (2004). Commercialism and Newspaper Quality: Cross-national Analyses of U.S., British, and German Newspapers
. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.