ABSTRACT
This chapter looks closely at the development of Bahraini media, including the press, online, broadcasting, and social media. The chapter argues that the growth of media in Bahrain can be divided into three periods. The first one encompasses the emergence of media during the period of the colonial rule until proclaiming independence in 1971. Subsequently, Bahrain experienced maturing of the media sector but within the constraints of the authoritarian regime until 1999. At the turn of the 21st century, Bahrain witnessed important political reforms that brought about liberalization, among others, of the media sector and market, and consequently, the expansive growth of the social media and satellite channels. Finally, the chapter illustrates the profound impact of the colonial past and the subsequent installation of authoritarian regimes on Bahraini mediascape.
