"This book provides a comprehensive approach of the media, journalism and politics in Sub-Saharan Francophone Africa. The author argues that there are common features that the media and journalism share in the seventeen countries of Francophone Africa and these make the local media systems different from what they are in neighboring English-speaking African countries, and in the rest of the world. The approach of the media in French-speaking Africa has not only to be “de-Westernized”, but also to step out of general overviews considering “African media." This project shows the historical, political, economic and sociological characteristics of the media systems of seventeen French-speaking countries of Africa." (Publisher description)

" ... Marie-Soleil Frère (1969-2021), was driven by, not to say obsessed with, this book. She strived to finish it with the ardor that characterized her through and through. The groundwork for this project was laid in her 2016 book, Journalismes d’Afrique, which was updated, revised, and translated to become Politics and Journalism in Francophone Africa. She long promoted a freer flow of knowledge between Francophone and Anglophone research communities to decom-partmentalize and promote the study of African journalism and media. This book keeps that wish of hers alive—it opens up the vast world of the media in Francophone Africa to scholars the world over with great insight, precision, and contemporary relevance ... This book is also a testimony to the way the tendrils of a life committed to research can touch so many in the real world and help coalesce research, cooperation and commitment into a consequential whole. It is a testimony to the meaning Marie-Soleil Frère gave to her life. She inspired many. A small group of friends have carried on her work in her absence and have completed this book to help her fulfil her ultimate dream." (Preface, pages v-vi)