Authoritarian Media

 

Perception of Authoritarian Media

The idea of authoritarian media stems from the four theories of the press: 

• the Authoritarian Theory
• the Libertarian Theory
• the Social Responsibility Theory 
• the Soviet Communist Theory

Each of these theories represents the types of press around the world. The United States is classified as a "Social Responsibility" Press, defined as "the press media do not need to take permission from the government to distribute news and information; however, they think about society when publishing news". In other words, the media has freedom of the press but remains "controlled" or indebted to the people of the country's society. 

The Libertarian Theory represents countries such as Canada and Switzerland, where the media is not controlled by the government. Freedom of the press is observed, run by journalists but government criticism is still prevalent. 

The Communist Soviet Theory is described as "the ministry of the respective government controls the press media, but they are free to work for the society. The government regulates and guides the mass media outlets for the benefit of the people." This press exists in countries such as Russia and China. In this theory, the government owns the press media, but they are free to work and deliver the news to society. 

Finally, observing the Authoritarian Theory, where the government controls the media. Under Authoritarian media, the press cannot work independently from the government. 

"the government authority directly controls the communication outlets. The government controls the press, information, and communication systems directly and indirectly" (Excerpt taken from Newsmoor.com)

North Korea is a country that represents the Authoritarian Theory, with the Korean Central News Agency controlling the mass media outlets in North Korea. 

The four theories of the press are eye-opening. They allow us to gain a new perspective on other countries that face oppressive governments, living without freedom of the press (Authoritarian). 

It is easy to lose sight of the prevalent issues revolving around the press around the world, in America where we are protected by the first amendment. American journalists are able to write, speak, and publish their works freely. Authoritarian countries, such as North Korea, are not as fortunate. 

The Reality of Authoritarian Media

North Korea is one of the most repressive and censored countries in the world. The North Korean government is able to take strict control over communications within the country. 

Article Nineteen of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that the right to freedom of opinion and expression is a fundamental right of every human being. North Korea, however, does not allow any freedom of expression within its borders. North Korean traditional and online media is completely controlled by the government and all social media platforms are banned in the country. 

Government propaganda is used within the released media to manipulate and control the citizens of North Korea, by pushing their agenda.

North Korean Journalism 

The journalists inside North Korea are expected to "guard, defend, and advocate for both the party and party leaders". They are required to have a college education, and complete a strict background check, before being drafted by the college dean. The potential journalist will then go through a probation period of 4-5 years, and then will be stationed after a final assessment. 

Journalists are re-educated constantly, by the "Chosen Reporter Alliance", which trains journalists in philosophy, economics, world history, world literature, and foreign languages. They are also trained to represent political activists and fighters, with the ability to "mobilize a crowd" if necessary. 

North Korean reporters and journalists are expected to write articles about North Korea, in a positive light. A majority of reports written in North Korea for Korean Central Broadcasting are allotted for the propaganda system and idolization of the Kim Jong-un personality cult. 

Because all media in North Korea is controlled by the government, the journalists have no control over what topics they want to publish. If any publications are written unofficially, they are from exiled members of society. 

The Outside World vs North Korea: Social and Mobile Media Differences

Since the government has blocked all media transmission in and out of the country, the outside world and its events are entirely unknown to the citizens inside the borders of North Korea. 

Internet Policies

Ordinary citizens of North Korea have no contact with the outside world. While citizens may have mobile devices and computers (that must be registered by local government authorities), they do not have access to the global internet. The only available service is "Kwangmyong", a national intranet service that began in the early 2000s. This intranet is extremely difficult for foreign governments to access, allowing North Korea to maintain its own private internet. 

Social Media

There are no social media platforms from the outside world that are available in North Korea. In 2016, North Korea blocked Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and all South Korean websites due to "its concern with the spread of online information". 

Since then, global social media services have been blocked by North Korea. 

Watchdogs 

Watchdog journalism is "a form of investigative journalism where journalists fact-check and interview public figures to increase accountability in democratic governance systems". These journalists offer a look into the reality of situations across the world, even behind the closed doors of North Korea.

Reporters Without Borders takes an in-depth look inside North Korea, uncovering what is really going on within the mysterious country. According to the official report regarding North Korea, the Korean Central News Agency is the only permitted source of news for North Korea's media. There are a few foreign press agencies present in North Korea (Agence-France Presse and Kyodo News) but operate under surveillance, which prohibits their ability to report actively. 

RWB has uncovered the harsh realities within North Korea and the punishments that North Koreans face if they simply view a global online media outlet. North Korea is an unsafe place to live, as well as to visit. Because of North Korea's attempts to remain excluded from the outside world, journalists have been arrested, deported, and killed for writing the truth. 

Authoritarian North Korea: Review

North Korea has complete control over the media and press within its borders. The abuse of power by an authoritarian government is a way to brainwash and scare its citizens into following orders. International journalists are taking charge to bring this injustice to light, sacrificing their own safety for the truth and being the voice for silenced journalists and citizens within North Korea's walls.