The thesis investigates and analyzes this relationship and attempts to discern the nature of the interaction between its components. The study will focus primarily upon the Twentieth Century to illustrate how the socio-political environment constitutes an influence on the press. This influence can be either positive or negative, in which case it can advance or inhibit the activities of the press respectively. In the latter case, it simply means observing the possibility of the socio-political environment constituting a prior restraint on the press.