Introduction to Journalism, Media and Communication
(correct answers)
What are the four theories of the state? correct answers Soviet communist,
authoritarian, libertarian and social responsibility. Communication theorists Fred Siebert,
Theodore Peterson, and Wilbur Schramm created the basis for the classification of how
we view media systems.
What is the soviet communist theory? correct answers When the media is effectively
state-owned, nationalised, in line with the government. An example of this is Stalin and
the censorship within the Soviet Union. Describes of a system in which the state owns
or controls all forms of mass media. The function of the press is to bring about societal
change by influencing communist values and denouncing democratic regimes.
What is the authoritarian theory? correct answers It describes a media system which
acts as a propaganda tool for a monarch, dictator or the government. Freedom of
information is limited and the chief role of the press is to educate the public of
government policies and prevent threats by using censorship.
What is the libertarian theory? correct answers Libertarian theory describes of a
contrasting press, which is free to report on the government. Freedom of information is
guaranteed with no restrictions or censorship. Hence, the press serves as a watchdog
and keeps the ruling party in check. The theory sees the public as rational beings who
can decide for themselves what is good and what is bad.
What is social responsibility theory? correct answers Under libertarian theory, the press
belongs to the public and in a capitalist society, this presents a major drawback.
Advertisers and corporations can influence the press as much as a government in
authoritarian system. Social responsibility theory assumes that the press should adhere
to codes of conduct and should not feel pressured by big businesses and investors. The
press has a social responsibility to serve the public without any outside interference.
What is the fourth estate of the realm? correct answers The Fourth Estate is a societal
power, force or institution whose influence is not consistently or officially recognised as
such. 'Fourth Estate' most commonly refers to the news media, journalism or 'the press'.
Refers to the idea that media kills democracy.
What are the four states? correct answers The first state is the clergy, second is nobility,
third is the commons and fourth is media.
What do we mean when using the term 'fourth estate'? correct answers The term refers
to the separation of powers into legislative, executive and judiciary branches. This
separation of power has become the construct upon which nations have been built
throughout the world. Of which the press is the fourth element.
, The purpose of this fourth element is to act as a counterbalance, a systemically
opposite force that is to report, verify and question matters of governance, public
matters as well as commercial ones, conducted by the powers, we the people, have
entrusted it with and bestowed upon.
What is the public sphere? correct answers The public sphere is seen as a domain of
social life where public opinion can be formed. (Habermas, 1991, 398) It can be seen as
the breeding ground, if you want. Habermas declares several aspects as vital for the
public sphere.
What are the vital aspects of the public sphere? correct answers Mainly it is open to all
citizens and constituted in every conversation in which individuals come together to
form a public. The citizen plays the role of a private person who is not acting on behalf
of a business or private interests but as one who is dealing with matters of general
interest in order to form a public sphere. There is no intimidating force behind the public
sphere but its citizens assemble and unite freely to express their opinions.
What is the historical side of the public sphere? correct answers Originates from the
formation of coffee houses in 17th and 18th century London. It was the first place where
people from all backgrounds (educational, occupational, social class) would gather,
which is something that never happened before this. They would talk about politics and
governmental issues.
What did this cause? correct answers As a consequence, people would become better
informed, with citizens from each class sharing their views, making the public opinion
more rounded. Those learning in the coffee shops would pass on their newfound
knowledge of politics etc to their peers.
What was a drawback of this? correct answers Only those from middle class
backgrounds and upper could afford to go to coffee houses, so the opinions were not
too well rounded.
What form does the public sphere take now? correct answers Nowadays, social media
is the public sphere. Habermas tells of the destruction of the public sphere by outside
forces and conditions (eg. the entertainment industry, PR, untruthful politicians).
What are some priorites of an ideal public sphere? correct answers - Politics should be
relevant to the situation and the people, not trying to distract the public from big issues.
- Public sphere shouldn't be used as a way of manipulation.
- Less political jargon, makes the public sphere more accessible and more
understandable for those less educated.
- Should bring people together, not pushing people away with things such as political
agendas.
- Should be able to express ourselves, e.g right wing hatred, coined the term 'tory' in the
form of an insult.
(correct answers)
What are the four theories of the state? correct answers Soviet communist,
authoritarian, libertarian and social responsibility. Communication theorists Fred Siebert,
Theodore Peterson, and Wilbur Schramm created the basis for the classification of how
we view media systems.
What is the soviet communist theory? correct answers When the media is effectively
state-owned, nationalised, in line with the government. An example of this is Stalin and
the censorship within the Soviet Union. Describes of a system in which the state owns
or controls all forms of mass media. The function of the press is to bring about societal
change by influencing communist values and denouncing democratic regimes.
What is the authoritarian theory? correct answers It describes a media system which
acts as a propaganda tool for a monarch, dictator or the government. Freedom of
information is limited and the chief role of the press is to educate the public of
government policies and prevent threats by using censorship.
What is the libertarian theory? correct answers Libertarian theory describes of a
contrasting press, which is free to report on the government. Freedom of information is
guaranteed with no restrictions or censorship. Hence, the press serves as a watchdog
and keeps the ruling party in check. The theory sees the public as rational beings who
can decide for themselves what is good and what is bad.
What is social responsibility theory? correct answers Under libertarian theory, the press
belongs to the public and in a capitalist society, this presents a major drawback.
Advertisers and corporations can influence the press as much as a government in
authoritarian system. Social responsibility theory assumes that the press should adhere
to codes of conduct and should not feel pressured by big businesses and investors. The
press has a social responsibility to serve the public without any outside interference.
What is the fourth estate of the realm? correct answers The Fourth Estate is a societal
power, force or institution whose influence is not consistently or officially recognised as
such. 'Fourth Estate' most commonly refers to the news media, journalism or 'the press'.
Refers to the idea that media kills democracy.
What are the four states? correct answers The first state is the clergy, second is nobility,
third is the commons and fourth is media.
What do we mean when using the term 'fourth estate'? correct answers The term refers
to the separation of powers into legislative, executive and judiciary branches. This
separation of power has become the construct upon which nations have been built
throughout the world. Of which the press is the fourth element.
, The purpose of this fourth element is to act as a counterbalance, a systemically
opposite force that is to report, verify and question matters of governance, public
matters as well as commercial ones, conducted by the powers, we the people, have
entrusted it with and bestowed upon.
What is the public sphere? correct answers The public sphere is seen as a domain of
social life where public opinion can be formed. (Habermas, 1991, 398) It can be seen as
the breeding ground, if you want. Habermas declares several aspects as vital for the
public sphere.
What are the vital aspects of the public sphere? correct answers Mainly it is open to all
citizens and constituted in every conversation in which individuals come together to
form a public. The citizen plays the role of a private person who is not acting on behalf
of a business or private interests but as one who is dealing with matters of general
interest in order to form a public sphere. There is no intimidating force behind the public
sphere but its citizens assemble and unite freely to express their opinions.
What is the historical side of the public sphere? correct answers Originates from the
formation of coffee houses in 17th and 18th century London. It was the first place where
people from all backgrounds (educational, occupational, social class) would gather,
which is something that never happened before this. They would talk about politics and
governmental issues.
What did this cause? correct answers As a consequence, people would become better
informed, with citizens from each class sharing their views, making the public opinion
more rounded. Those learning in the coffee shops would pass on their newfound
knowledge of politics etc to their peers.
What was a drawback of this? correct answers Only those from middle class
backgrounds and upper could afford to go to coffee houses, so the opinions were not
too well rounded.
What form does the public sphere take now? correct answers Nowadays, social media
is the public sphere. Habermas tells of the destruction of the public sphere by outside
forces and conditions (eg. the entertainment industry, PR, untruthful politicians).
What are some priorites of an ideal public sphere? correct answers - Politics should be
relevant to the situation and the people, not trying to distract the public from big issues.
- Public sphere shouldn't be used as a way of manipulation.
- Less political jargon, makes the public sphere more accessible and more
understandable for those less educated.
- Should bring people together, not pushing people away with things such as political
agendas.
- Should be able to express ourselves, e.g right wing hatred, coined the term 'tory' in the
form of an insult.
