This thesis considers the major factors that influenced the development of the printed press in Jordan between 1920 and 1998. Amongst the many influences and factors which affected the printed media are the geo-political, social, religious and economic factors. This study provides the reader with a theoretical framework which helps to determine Jordan's position in terms of where it stands in comparison to press freedoms in other countries. Different press theories are used to determine the position of Jordan in this regard. This research follows on the development of the press since 1920. The analysis of press development in Jordan is divided into different phases: The first phase extends from 1920 to 1946; the second phase from 1946 to 1952; the third phase from 1952 to 1967; the fourth phase from 1967 to 1989 and the fifth and last phase extends from 1989 to 1998. The thesis also contains an in depth discussion of the legislations which govern the printed media in Jordan, with particular emphasis on the 1993 Press and Publications Law and the amendments it underwent in 1997, however, there is some mention of other legislations which influenced the printed media.