DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THE LIBERTARIAN THEORY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY THEORY.

The libertarian theory talks about a situation where journalists are free to carry out their operations. Under this theory, there is no government interference into what goes into the media.
The social responsibility theory also tends explaining the responsibility of journalists in the delivery of information to the society in a free economic situation. The libertarian theory therefore gave birth to the social responsibiliy theory. Due to this there are some similarities between them. Since one theory led to the other, both theories enjoy freedom.
Under both theories, there is private ownership of media firms. Because of the freedom in both theories, individuals can set up their own media firms and manage them on their own. Government can therefore not interefre with the operations of these media firms.
Also as a result of the independence under both theories, people are therefore able to express themselves freely through the various media. They are therefore able to express issues pertaining to themselves and government.
Furthermore, both theories promote objectivity. Since under both theories whatever goes into the media is not determined by government, journalists always report truthful stories. Besides, it is mandatory under the social responsibility theory for journalists to report the truth.
However, inspite of all these similarities , there are some potential differences and all effort must be made to bring the differences.
Under the social responsibility theory, fairness is something not overlooked. There is no ethnic discrimination under this theory. This theory therefore creates the platform for different opinions to be expressed while with the libertarian, the press discriminate, in that, they can create the platform for some ethnic groups and leave the others.
Also under the social responsibility theory, the media works according to the code of ethics so if they go contrary to this as in not delivering the right information, the public holds them accountable for that, accountability is therefore an essential element under the social responsibility theory but under the libertarian theory, this is not so because of the absolute power granted and with the absence of the code of ethics.
Furthermore, as a result of being guided by the code of ethics, the social responsibility theory operates on professionalism but the libertarian does not because of the absolute freedom given. This however makes journalists embellish their stories leading to yellow journalism.
Lastly, the social responsibility theory in carrying out its roles is transparent to the general public but under the libertarian, there is absolute freedom so media firms are not obliged to carry out transparent operations.
Charles Akrofi.