Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction -- Religion, state and culture: beyond Islamic exceptionalism -- Is there an Islamic communication theory? -- Iranian press: the paradox of 'modernity' -- Emerging public spheres and the limits of the press -- Press, state and civil society: illusions and realities -- Media policy under the Islamic Republic: rights, institutional interests, and control -- The politics of broadcasting: continuity and change, expansion and control -- Women's press and the gendered nature of the public sphere -- Conclusion.

"The post-revolutionary state in Iran has tried to amalgamate 'Sharia with electricity' and modernity with what it considers as 'Islam'. While sympathetic to private capital, through quasi anti-capitalist politics, the state began to restrict market-relations, confiscate major assets of sections of the Iranian bourgeoisie, and nationalize major aspects of Iran's industry, including its communications system. Since the end of war with Iraq and the start of the process of 'reconstruction', market-driven development and economic policies have been key aims of the state."--Publisher's description.