ABSTRACT
For a long time the principal means of mass communication in France, the press has traditionally provided coverage of both domestic and foreign politics. It has been a prime source of information and comment on political issues at local, regional and national levels, while increasingly covering European and international political developments as well. The press has played an important role in shaping public opinion and mobilizing electoral support. It has also helped to set the political agenda by focusing on certain personalities, events and issues, while ignoring or marginalizing others. A few newspapers and magazines have at times acted as a neutral forum for debate; others have been the committed mouthpieces of a single political movement or party; most have articulated a clear political line on major events and lent their support to candidates during election campaigns. Frequently the press has become an active participant in the political process rather than merely an interested commentator on events.
