Assertion (A): Authoritarian Theory undermines advance censorship and punishment for deviation from rules laid down by political authorities.
Reason (R): The theory was likely to be observed in dictatorial regimes, under conditions of military rule of foreign occupation and even during states of extreme emergence in democratic societies.
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation
(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false
(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Correct Ans: (A)
Explanation:
Assertion (A) claims that Authoritarian Theory advocates advance censorship and punishment for deviations from political rules. This theory is prevalent in regimes where the state seeks to control public opinion and the media to maintain authority. The theory asserts that media must align with political interests, limiting free expression.
Reason (R) suggests that this theory is particularly relevant in dictatorial regimes, military rule, or foreign occupation, where the media is tightly controlled to ensure compliance. Even in extreme emergency situations in democratic societies, Authoritarian Theory may apply if the government curtails media freedom to prevent dissent.
Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and the reason properly explains the assertion. In such regimes, media censorship is a method of control, which fits the definition of the Authoritarian Theory. Therefore, the correct answer is Option (A), as both parts are true and connected.
