Iranian Media: The Paradox of Modernity

The post-revolutionary state in Iran has tried to amalgamate '¬ÜSharia with electricity'¬" and modernity with what it considers as '¬ÜIslam'¬". 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 '¬Üreconstruction'¬", market-driven development and economic policies have been key aims of the state.

Introduction 1. Religion, State and Culture: Beyond Islamic Exceptionalism 2. Is There an Islamic Communication Theory? 3. Iranian Press: The Paradox of Modernity 4. Emerging Public Spheres and the Limits of the Press 5. Press, State and Civil Society: Illusions and Realities 6. Media Policy Under the Islamic Republic 7. The Politics of Broadcasting 8. Women's Press and Gendered Nature of the Public Sphere. Conclusion