Recent Trends in Journalism Research and Political Power in the Afro-Asian Countries

This study aims to analyze the new trends in research on the relationship between the press and political authorities in Africa and Asia. It derives its significance from the recent developments in both media and politics in these countries. The study shows that the main shifts in this area of research include:- Search for new theoretical approaches to explain the relation between the press and political authorities.- Disregard of the four theories of communication model which was putting the press systems in Africa and Asia in very narrow frames (Authoritarian and Communist).- Search for genuine African and Asian values of the press derived from actual experience.- Study of new topics such as independent press and the positive role of the press in supporting the national identity and social solidarity. In light of the objectives of this study, it can be concluded that the relationship between press and the political authorities in the two continents has been affected by political, economic and technological changes.