Four Theories of the Press and Media Ownership

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the theories of the press, global news flow, media ownership, and cultural dimensions as presented in Chapters 3 and 4.

Four Theories of the Press

Theories explaining how politics determines media ownership, freedom, censorship, and control.

Authoritarian Theory

The government controls the media to protect the state and maintain order.

Libertarian Theory

The media is free from government control and censorship.

Social Responsibility Theory

The media is free but must report ethically, accurately, and responsibly.

Soviet-Communist Media Theory

The government owns and controls all media to support communist ideology.

Free Flow of Information Theory

Information should move freely across countries without restrictions.

Modernization Theory

Developing countries modernize by following Western models.

Dependency Theory

Poor countries depend on rich countries economically, politically, and culturally.

Structural Theory of Imperialism

Rich countries maintain control through local elites in poorer countries.

World System Theory

The world is divided into Center, Semi-Periphery, and Periphery countries.

Hegemony

Powerful countries spread their ideology through the media.

Political Economy Theory

Governments influence other countries through powerful companies and media.

Critical Theory

Media spreads ideology while generating profit.

Public Sphere Theory

People discuss public issues through open and rational debate.

Cultural Theory

Focuses on identity, race, ethnicity, gender, and marginalized groups.

Digital Divide

Unequal access to digital technology and the internet.

Media Ownership

Who owns and controls the media in a country.

Public Ownership

The government owns and operates all media.

Private Ownership

Individuals and companies own and operate media.

Joint Ownership

Both the government and private sector own media.

International News Flow

The movement of news between countries.

Vertical News Flow

News moves between countries with unequal power.

Top-Down Vertical Flow

News flows from powerful countries to less powerful countries.

Bottom-Up Vertical Flow

News flows from less powerful countries to powerful countries.

Horizontal News Flow

News is exchanged between countries of equal strength.

News Agency

An organization that gathers and supplies news to media organizations.

National News Agency

A news agency that operates within one country.

Regional News Agency

A news agency serving several countries in one region.

International News Agency

A news agency that operates worldwide.

Conflict

News involving wars, violence, or disagreements.

Magnitude

Events affecting many people or countries.

Surprise

Unexpected or unusual events.

Cultural Proximity

Similar culture or location increases news coverage.

Country’s Power, Significance and Impact

Powerful countries receive more news coverage.

Geopolitical Significance

Strategic regions receive greater media attention.

Enemies

Rival countries are often reported negatively.

Event’s Significance and Reach

Events involving many countries receive more coverage.

Issues of Shared Global Interest

Worldwide issues that affect many countries.

Declining Coverage of International News

The decrease in international news reporting over time.

Idealistic-Humanistic Approach

Communication promotes peace and international understanding.

Proselytization Approach

Communication spreads beliefs and ideologies.

Economic Approach

Communication supports trade and economic growth.

Political Approach

Communication is used to increase political influence.

Comparative Perspective

Compares media systems across different countries.

Influence Perspective

Studies how one country’s media influences another.

Media Capitals

Cities that produce and distribute global media.

Individualism

Focus on personal goals and independence.

Collectivism

Focus on group goals and cooperation.

Masculine Culture

Values competition and achievement.

Feminine Culture

Values caring and cooperation.

High Power Distance

Accepts unequal distribution of power.

Low Power Distance

Expects equal distribution of power.

Indulgence

Encourages enjoying life and personal freedom.

Restraint

Controls desires through social rules.

Short-Term Orientation

Focuses on the present.

Long-Term Orientation

Focuses on future planning and goals.

High Uncertainty Avoidance

Dislikes uncertainty and resists change.

Low Uncertainty Avoidance

Accepts uncertainty and welcomes change.