DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES OF THE LIBERITARIAN AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY THEORY OF THE PRESS

The Social Responsibility and Libertarian theory are basis upon which the free press should and does run in a democratic society. It is essential to examine these theories, noting their obvious similarities and differences, and through this form of socratic analysis, come to a conclusion as to not which theory is 'better' per se, but which holds most true to its ideals and to its assurances to society. Both theories have many similarities, and as such, one is seemingly an outgrowth of the other. However, in order to properly determine the relationship between the two and their association to the press, indepth examination proves essential.

It is obvious to note that the libertarian theory vastly differ from the resposibility theory, yet there are certain vital similarities that encompass both theories. the idea of progress, ddemocracy and modern trend of living outlines the rise of the libertarian theory where the media is given some sort of freedom to operate without state restriction. The social responsibility theory spells out freedom but it is much concerned with the duty of shaping to be better. In fact to state categorically the simillarities between the two theories, it cab be seen from a perspective that the following exist in both theories.

1. Freedom is prevalent in both theories without any restriction from state.
2. They both define the same major functions of the media, which are transmission of information and the adoption of a forum for disparate views.
3. Both theories also provide an avenie for the establishment of private media due to capitalism. Since both theories operate in the capitalist system, many private media houses are being established.
4. Also in both theories, the media serves as a watchdog and supervises the society from certain abuses.
5. The notion of free press and democracy in the libertarian and social responsibilty theories is false sine the media is faced with prosecution.
6. They both abandoned the ideas of coveting knowledge as in the Authritarian system, and instead accepted scientific and socratic methods to arrive at the truth that is attainable by rational man. Although the Social Responsibility theory sees man as reluctant participant in seeking knowledge and truth, it concedes to the inadequacy that relying upon such methods of implementation, and regulating solely by forces such as the self-righting process is indeedd ineffective.

However, amidst the similarities, there are certain differences between the two theories.

1. As much as the social responsibilty theory is expected to be accountable to the society in its performance, the libertarian theory flouts accountability.
2. Again, there is self-censorship in the social responsibilty theory. Prior to this, the social resposibilty theory is suppressed in the performance of its functions not to abuse the society. Unlike the libertarian theory, there is no such thing as self-censorship, so the media can feed the society with abusive information without any restriction internally.
3. To add to it, even though in both theories, there is objectivity, the social responsibility theory is subjective to the media in the interest of the state or authority.
4. Under the social rsponsibilty theory, there is strict regulation. It is difficult to notice that the libertarian theory is taken through such regulations.
5. Finally, the social responsibilty theory is also concerned with the code of ethics governing the various media houses. In contrast, the libertarian theory does not respect such codes.