This dissertation is a descriptive, comparative study of press-government relationships in the 34 nations of independent Black Africa south of the Sahara. Excluded from consideration are territories under European administration and those nations that have white minority governments. The 34 sovereign states are analyzed and systematically classified according to a common set of criteria that deal primarily with press restraints in these nations. The chapters deal with the colonial legacy in independent Black Africa, the role and function of mass media in contemporary Africa, and the classification of nations into types of press philosophies. Data for the dissertation is primarily derived from a mail questionnaire which was sent to 600 potential informants in the 34 nations. Another primary source of data was personal interviews with personnel at African embassies in Washington, D.C. Over 200 books, articles, and interviews are listed in the bibliography. It is concluded that broadcasting is becoming more professionalized but still remains under the direct control of the president or ministry of information in most countries. (Author/TS)