In a democratic country like the Philippines, a free press should exist. The press is used as a medium for people to be educated and be informed especially in conveying the truths. In many instances, freedom of the press experiences threats. In the book Four Theories and the Press(1956), the authors presented the different theories as Authoritarian, Libertarian, Social Responsibility, and Soviet theories that explain the different media systems. These four theories also identify the big difference in how Development Communication Theory works. The four theory of the press shows the relationship of a man to the state. The Authoritarian theory is the oldest among the four. This theory focuses on how media was being controlled and used to strengthen the government. Everything is limited and the media was being oppressed. The second theory which is the Libertarian Theory declares that the press now belongs to the people. Free media, freedom of speech, and no government influence are some of the features of this theory. To inform, educate and entertain are the given functions of the press that makes it influential around the world. The third theory which is the Social Responsibility Theory is standing between Authoritarian Theory and Libertarian Theory as it gives freedom in the press but at the same time, it was controlled. It accepts everyone to voice out or express their opinions. The media disseminate truth due to regulatory activities and their moral obligation to do so. And lastly, the Soviet Theory where media are still under the control of the states. Still, Soviet theory is not like how Authoritarian theory works that is one way of communication that does not accept any opinion from people. This theory is the positive version of the Authoritarian theory which is a two-way communication but at the same time, the whole media is controlled or works under the leadership. It motivates the press to support the leadership rather than a watchdog. As our country is experiencing development, everything follows. Even media platforms are also evolving for the betterment of the dissemination of news. Media for the development of people in a nation or to help the target population is the reason behind why Development Communication Theory exists. This fifth theory shows how superior it is to the four theories that unlike the four theories that focus between a man and the state this theory focuses on the relationship between a man and his environment. It also identifies the lackings of the four theories. This theory aims for social change and this is to removed propaganda, government influence, and social injustice. This theory focuses more on fulfilling human needs, improvement, and self-empowerment as it practices two-way communication. Voicing one′s opinions and ideas should not be hindered as it plays an important role in our democracy. It′s served as protection not have manipulation of the government to undermine democracy. Press freedom permits societies to establish what is true. It allows citizens to express their opinions to the press without any government influence or removing any of the information.
