Abstract

This article attempts to highlight the indispensability of media practices in any given society and how these practices must be carried out responsibly, in the overall interest of the society. In other words, although the media have the freedom to carry out their functions, their freedom to practise must be in the interest of the citizens and the existence of the society. The review is founded on the normative theory of social responsibility of the media. To show the stress of the theory, the article has addressed the following: media freedom, media ownership and the watchdog role of the media over society, poor remuneration versus media social responsibility, media social responsibility and ethical practices, self-censorship and media social responsibility. The article has emphasized that the media can deliberately or inadvertently decide to act irresponsibly. It adds that deliberately schemed media policies or unchecked editorial lapses can lead to irresponsible media practices. One suggestion offered as a way out is that the media practitioners should guide themselves with the provisions of social responsibility theory and the ethics of media practice in their operation.  

Key Words: Media Freedom, Social Responsibility, Normative Theory

JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 15, No. 1, April 2023, pp. 194-200.

© Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON).

About the author

* Doris Amara Nwosu, Ph.D. is a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria

Article Citation

Nwosu, D. A. (2023). Media freedom and social responsibility: A review. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 15 (1): 194-200.

Full Article

Words: 5,309 

Pages: 8

To access full article, click on download.