Libertarian Theory

Libertarian Theory

This is just in contrast to the authoritarian approach to media. Here media enjoys an absolute freedom
of expression. Its prominent features go like this:
• Competitive exposure of alternative viewpoints.
• Attacks on the government's policies are accepted and even encouraged: the media as a watchdog
• Journalists and media professionals ought to have full autonomy within the media organization.
• There is no explicit connection between the government and the media.
• The press is free from censorship
• It is accountable to the law for any consequences of its activities that infringe other individuals’
rights or the legitimate claims of the society.
• The protection of dignity, reputation, property, privacy, moral development of individuals, groups,
minorities, evens the security of the state no infringement accepted from media.
Such an extensive freedom is also a problem as all people have the right to speak and receive information
freely, but no one takes responsibility of the wrong doings. The ethics in multicultural or pluralistic societies
vary from place to place; hence there is always complaint against the media of each other’s society.