An introduction to the four theories of the press, and the four theories of the press

The four theories of the press were developed by Wilbur Schramm and Fred S., professors at the University of IllinoisSiebert and Theodore Peterson developed it in their 1956 book, Four Theories of the Press. Published by the National Council of the Churches of America as a material for the study of mass media, it has been recognized by the American Leadership Group and awarded the Medal by the American Journalism Honor Society.

The term "press" is used in the book to refer to all mass media. The author of the book believes that the news and communication systems of various countries in the world are in the same vein as their social and political systems, and can basically be divided into four types. Namely:

The theory of totalitarianism, the theory of liberalism, the theory of social responsibility, the theory of communism in the Soviet Union. He has been recognized by the American Leadership Group and awarded the Medal by the American Journalism Honor Society.

The four theories of the press are the theory of totalitarianism of the press, the theory of liberalism of the press, the theory of social responsibility of the press, and the theory of Soviet communism of the press.

Four Theories of the Press, published in 1956, was a review of the "philosophical and political principles or theories behind all the different kinds of newspapers in the world" by scholars Seibert, Peterson, and Schramm. Schramm et al. summarized four models: totalitarianism, liberalism, social responsibility, and Soviet communism.

Schramm introduced:Wilbur Schramm Wilbur Schramm is the master and founder of the discipline of communication. He is known as the originator of communication and the father of communication.

He founded the first university research institute in communication studies, compiled the first communication textbook, awarded the first doctorate in communication, and was the first person in the world to hold the title of professor of communication.

The newspaper system is divided into four types, each of which is guided by a corresponding theory:

The first is the theory of totalitarianism, which appeared in the 16th and 17th centuries, according to which the main purpose of the press is to support the position of the ruling class, maintain the rule of the ruling class, and implement the policies of the ruling class.

The second is the theory of liberalism, which arose in the 17th and 18th centuries, and under its guidance, the status of the press became a question of adapting to democratic political institutions and democratic lifestyles. Its role is to report news, bury and provide entertainment materials, serve economic development, supervise activities, and help solve social problems.

The third is the theory of social responsibility, which was born in the United States in the 50s of the 20th century, which believes that freedom is accompanied by obligations, and mass communication should be free and unrestricted, but it should be responsible for society. The function of the mass media under the theory of social responsibility is basically the same as that of the liberal theory.

Fourth, the communist theory of the Soviet Union, the author stands on the bourgeois standpoint, believing that the Soviet media are used as tools of the party and the state, and its newspapers and periodicals are integrated with the state. Under the guidance of this theory, the main task of the media is to ensure that the socialist system can be successful, consolidated and serve the goals of the state.

Answer]: First of all, it is good to discuss the main viewpoints of the "Four Theories of the Press", introduce the main contents of totalitarian communication theory, liberal communication theory, social responsibility communication theory and Soviet communication theory, and pay attention to the appropriate explanation of their theories and historical background; Secondly, in combination with one's own understanding and viewpoint, in connection with the historical reality of human communication, and the evaluation and analysis of the "one theory of newspapers and periodicals", we can consider discussing it from both positive and negative aspects

1) Positive evaluation of the pioneering contribution and wide influence of this theory in the field of propagation control research:

2) Explain its one-sidedness and shortcomings: First, this theory is put forward on the basis of the capitalist system and values, and is a defense of the capitalist communication system, and the understanding of other communication systems, especially the socialist communication system, is extremely one-sided, with the color of "Cold War"; Secondly, the communication system is in a process of constant change, and it is a process of dynamic development. With the development and change of the world's political and economic pattern, the communication system of various countries has also undergone earth-shaking changes.

In such a situation, the four theories of the traditional newspapers and periodicals with the Cold War mentality can no longer meet the reality of the development of the communication system and need to be revised and developed.