Explication of Theorectical Foundation of Communication Policy

Abstract

Communication policy is the legal and institutional framework that defines the nature, structure, procedure and operations of media system of any given society. It is influenced and shaped by the prevailing socio-economic and political dimensions of such society. Thus, communication policy varies from society to society, and nations to nations. Communication policy does not only provide the legal framework but also serve as the mechanism and instrument of institutionalization of media system in the society. The paper provided an explanation of the various theories underpinning communication policy. The paper examined the epistemology of the philosophical thinking that shaped media systems globally. These theories: normative theory of the press, medium theory, general system, agenda setting function, and gate keeping theory; are not mutually exclusive to communication policy, but they provide the framework upon which communication policy could be anchored on. Though there exist a plethora of theories of communication relating to communication policy, but the theoretical postulations identified and discussed in the paper provided the framework that guides media operations in the society. These theories provided the starting point for critically examining the functions and roles of the media in the society. The authors here situate the assumptions of the theories as a foundation of communication policy, a determining factor outlining media system and practice in modern society.