What theory is operational?

There's no question that the rapid technological changes of the past decade have created armies of citizen-publishers throughout the world, and certainly divisions of those armies consider themselves citizen-journalists, whether working for or at mainstream media outlets or not.

Traditionally, there have been four theories of the press (Authoritarian, Libertarian, Communist and Social Responsibility), but the new press landscape, which defies geographic, ideological, professional and economic barriers, and in all four theories of the press overlap, seems to cry out for the invention of a "unified field" theory of the press -- or for surrender to the Libertarian theory as the only real possibility in a worldwide sea of information anarchy.

If the former, has anyone developed it, and what are its main points?
If the latter, how should we educate the public and our students so they may function in a society that relies on the free press to ensure its freedom and democratic form of government?

Media Ranks Last in recent Consumer Trust Survey: Why?

Business is more trusted than either government or media in every region of the world, according to the latest Edelman Trust Barometer, a survey of 3100 international opinion leaders.Survey results had business most credible in 13 of 18 countries.
In the U.S., business trust has increased from the prior survey, with 53% of respondants ranking business first, a comeback after lower rankings following the Enron and WorldCom criminal activities.
Prior Edelman surveys have ranked the nonprofit sector first among possible choices, followed by business, then government. Media rankings continue to be last in Edelman U.S. surveys.
Why do you think U.S. media have lower trust rankings than business or government? What issues or concerns do you think consumers have with U.S. media? How do you think U.S. media is perceived by consumers in other countries?