The present study is the first attempt to make a serious academic investigation of the media in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which has witnessed dramatic changes in all aspects of life since the independence. The main purpose of this study is to describe, evaluate, and analyse the development of the Bahrain mass media. Both the printed and broadcasting media are examined in considerable detail for the first time, from historical, operational and methodological perspectives. The study also analyses current conditions of the mass media in Bahrain and the role they play in the construction and improvement of modem Bahrain society. With this in mind, this thesis also investigates the role and function of the media's contribution to the country's progress. The thesis includes an analysis of a survey, which covers the major issues of the media in Bahrain. The survey was conducted in order to draw final conclusions, which correlate the historical investigation, current setting and future requirements of both print and broadcasting media. Results of the study were analysed using descriptive statistics in the form of frequency distributions and percentages, cross tabulations technique and Chi-square test of independence. Findings of the study revealed that while Bahrain is still undergoing a transition into a dynamic modern state, it has also moved to establish a contemporary mass media. However, there are still weaknesses, largely due to a lack of media professionals in the field, lack of training programmes, lack of freedom of expression, lack of media research, lack of support funding and lack of co-ordination and co-operations between media organisations and other governmental organisations. The conclusion of the study suggests that future strengthening of the development of the mass media in Bahrain would require: personnel development and training, further development of broadcasting and publications, and an increase in financial resources for media production and establishments, in order for them to play a more effective role in articulating national development policies and in the progress of the country in general.